The Flyers received good news regarding Tyson Foerster's offseason injury. An earlier reported cited that Foerster could miss time at the beginning of the season, but it look like that fear has been avoided.
Reached by text today, Flyers GM Daniel Briere said Foerster appears likely to be able to start the 2025-26 season on time. https://t.co/keu1OLX3XZ
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) August 14, 2025
As Meltzer mentions in the article, this doesn't mean that Foerster is completely out of the woods. It took time and multiple tests to determine what was wrong in the first place. But it is very encouraging news for both Foerster and the Flyers.
Foerster overcame a slow start and took a step forward in his sophomore campaign. Appearing in all but one game, he was second on the team with 25 goals and could turn into a 30+ goal, 50+ point producer if he continues on this path.
While it's good news for the Flyers, it could mean that another player's fight to make the NHL roster just got harder. Alex Bump, after winning a national title with Western Michigan, signed his entry-level contract. Though with the Flyers at the end of their season, the deal will kick in this season. Bump instead debuted with the Phantoms and was rather impressive in limited action.
He was one of the first players who came to mind when Foerster's injury was first reported. With a chip on his shoulder, Bump has proven that he is more than valuable for a fifth-round pick. He has improved year by year since being drafted and was a key part of the Broncos' offense.
The Flyers are excited with what they have in Bump, but a roster spot isn't a guarantee in the fall. Spots on the wing are limited, and they certainly don't want to leave Bump on the fourth line, unless they turn it into more than a checking line. Taking up spots on the wing are: Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett, Bobby Brink, and Garnet Hathaway. Add Foerster to the mix, and spots are filling up fast. There's also the chance that Trevor Zegras doesn't work at center, and he could move back to the wing as well.
Bump will also have to fight Karsen Dorwart, Devin Kaplan, and Nikita Grebenkin for a spot. All three might have a better chance slotting in on the fourth line. Nic Deslauriers is still around, though he's an extra forward these days. Barring any changes, spots are at a premium.
It's not out of the question that Bump impresses in training camp and forces the Flyers' hand. But Foerster being healthy means the Flyers can be more patient with him as well. While they may have had more of a need for him if there was an injury, they can let him get his feet wet with the Phantoms before calling him up.
The excitement for Bump and the potential scoring threat he can bring to the Flyers is evident. There would be nothing wrong with him heading to the AHL to start the season. But it will be his battle to fight, one that begins in a few weeks.