Things are different for Zayde Wisdom this time around at Flyers training camp. He was once viewed as an intriguing prospect, but his stock fell so far over the years that his NHL opportunity seemed to be slipping away.
COVID accelerated Wisdom's path to the AHL in 2020, giving him an opportunity he normally wouldn't have. And he popped with the Phantoms almost immediately, producing seven goals and 18 points in 28 games. The fourth-round pick looked like he could be a bit more of a surprise than expected. The next few years, however, proved to be anything but that.
Shoulder surgery in the offseason cut his chances of returning to the AHL, but he returned to the OHL and put up strong numbers for the Kingston Frontenacs. Once back with the Phantoms, Wisdom struggled with his consistency. He bounced in and out of the lineup, even spending time in the ECHL to find his game again. Things came to a head the following season when he posted just three points in 49 games.
The 2024-25 season was a crucial one for him. His entry-level contract was in its final season, and it didn't look like he was going to fit into the team's plans. If he wanted to remain a part of the organization, he needed to develop his game back to the point where the team could trust him again. And he put in the work to make that happen.
And it paid off that year as he posted career highs in all offensive categories. Wisdom finished seventh on the team in goals and fifth in points, a huge improvement from where he was just one season earlier. He eventually found himself on the top line and as part of the team's penalty kill.
Despite the turnaround, Wisdom didn't earn another NHL contract. The prospect pool has become deeper over the years, and the Flyers simply didn't have room. His work was still recognized within the organization as he returned on an AHL contract.
Zayde Wisdom has put himself back in the picture
Wisdom followed that breakout season with another step forward last year. His game became more well-rounded, turning him into someone the Phantoms could count on in tough situations. And the confidence that came from that only fueled Wisdom's game.
So not only did he post another career-high in goals (14), but he also became an integral part of the team's leadership, earning an alternate captain spot. The 'A' on his jersey was also a reward for a player who had nearly been out of the organization altogether just a few years earlier. He became an example for those around him, proving that it's never too late to turn things around.
Wisdom regained his AHL team's trust and turned his game into one the Phantoms clearly valued. And they put that commitment into writing this summer with a two-year deal. Now he has to show the Flyers he is worth taking another shot on.
Attending training camp on an AHL contract is far from out of the ordinary. Wisdom did the same last year after returning to the Phantoms. But now, with a two-year contract in hand, he has a larger opportunity in front of him. The Flyers' depth chart remains stacked with talent, and there are plenty of players ahead of him.
Still, the fact that Wisdom is being given a shot at training camp is notable. The Flyers have to be happy with what they've seen from their former fourth-round draft pick. The task at hand isn't going to be easy. There are plenty of young forwards competing for jobs, especially ones that the Flyers are invested heavily in. Wisdom will need to separate himself and prove that his skill set can still translate to the next level.
One thing hasn't changed for Wisdom over the years: his willingness to fight for another opportunity.
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