Post by bjernagris (PHI) on Oct 13, 2016 9:11:08 GMT -5
Goaltenders
Julius Hudacek
Age: 30
Latest team: Washington Capitals (NHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: With reliable backup Jack Campbell traded to Washington on Draft day, what would suit better than to bring in Washington’s backup goalie from last season as replacement? A late-bloomer, Hudacek made his debut in North American ice hockey in 2016/17 and his first and only iNHL start last season, but has impressed in training camp and looks to form an experienced goaltending duo with Tuukka Rask.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – backup goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Sami Aittokallio
Age: 26
Latest team: Kärpät Oulu (SML)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Aittokallio was originally drafted by the Avalanche, where he spent three seasons between 2012 and 2015 and made two iNHL appearances. He has spent the past three seasons in the Finnish SM-Liiga. Acquired for depth on the goalie position, Aittokallio looks to start the season in the minors. Mentally strong and with good technique, Aittokallio still lacks the athleticism to be considered a top league goalie.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – rotating goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Felix Sandström
Age: 21
Latest team: Brynäs IF (SHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Sandström was drafted by the Flyers in 2015 and his rights lapsed this summer. As the Flyers found themselves one man short on the goalie position, Sandström was offered an entry-level contract. Although the young Swede has been a starter for Swedish side Brynäs IF for two seasons, he still needs to develop his game further to become relevant on the highest level.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – rotating goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Defensemen
Nathan Beaulieu
Age: 25
Latest team: Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: one of the players who have had their big breakthrough in the league during the past two seasons, Beaulieu established himself as a key piece on a weak Red Wings blue line. Due to cap issues, Detroit sent Beaulieu to Philly in the offseason. Seen as a mobile, two-way defenseman, Beaulieu will have an important role on the Flyers team this year. Could make better use of his size.
Projected role – 18/19: 2nd pairing two-way d-man
Projected role – career: 2nd pairing two-way d-man
Brandon Carlo
Age: 21
Latest team: Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Carlo was acquired from Minnesota in exchange for three prospects. The big-frame, young defenseman does not shy away from physical play, and will be used in situations when grit and physicality is needed. After his rookie season in 2016/17, Carlo spent the entire last season in the AHL. Already signed to an extension for two more years, expect him to add depth to the Flyers blue line in coming years.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 1st pairing defensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd pairing defensive d-man
Rasmus Sandin
Age: 18
Latest team: MODO Hockey (SHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2018: 3rd round, 66th overall)
Evaluation: rumoured to have attracted KHL interest after his contract with MODO Hockey ran out this summer, the Flyers made quick work in signing their 3rd round pick from this year’s draft. Sandin is an offensive-minded, puck-moving defenseman with two years of senior ice hockey already under his belt. Having not been CHL drafted, Sandin will be reassigned to the Flyers’ AHL affiliate for this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 1st pairing offensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd pairing offensive d-man
Ralph Jarratt
Age: 20
Latest team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: Jarratt was acquired as an undrafted prospect last summer, and spent the past year in the WHL where he averaged above one point per game and was awarded defenseman of the year. The defensive-minded Canadian possesses a rocket shot but there are question marks surrounding how his intangibles will transfer into professional hockey. Jarratt will add to an already solid depth of d-men for the Flyers, but most likely won’t be seeing any big league action this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 3rd pairing defensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd pairing defensive d-man
Forwards
Jakub Vrána
Age: 22
Latest team: Washington Capitals (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: in a much-discussed trade that saw the Flyers send out defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to division rival Washington, young offensive speedster Vrána went the other way. Coming off a less-than-impressive first full iNHL season, a change of scenery might be what the former 1st round pick (2014, 13th overall) needs in order to prove himself as a top-six player in this league. An offensive spearhead, the young Czech needs to improve the defensive aspects of his game.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – middle six offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – top six offensive winger
Anatoli Golyshev
Age: 23
Latest team: Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: despite an injury-ridden 2017/18 season, Golyshev was one of the most coveted players to hit free agency this summer. The Russian winger decided to join Philadelphia, signing a two-year entry level contract. Perhaps most known to North American hockey fans for his blindside hit on Phil Baltisberger in the 2016 WJC, Golyshev combines a sense for scoring goals (44 goals in 86 games in the KHL across the past two seasons) with a physical, gritty – sometimes even dirty – style of play.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 3rd line physical winger
Projected role – career: NHL – middle six physical winger
Brett Ritchie
Age: 25
Latest team: San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: a journeyman winger, having represented four iNHL teams during the past three seasons, Ritchie will provide depth to the Flyers offense. So far Ritchie has failed to realize the potential that Dallas saw in him when they drafted him in 2011 (2nd round, 44th overall). With an ability to do a little bit of everything, the big Canadian’s versatility will be useful. However, do not expect him to get more than a non-core role in Philadelphia this season.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 4th line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom six two-way winger
Phillip Danault
Age: 25
Latest team: Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: another high draft pick (2011; 1st round, 26th overall) who has yet to live up to expectations, the Canadian was a healthy scratch in Chicago for a good part of last season. He was acquired for the negotiating rights to Marcus Foligno and Paul Stastny, and looks to start off the season on the Flyers’ bottom line. With fellow centers Gorbunov, Rydström and Malenstyn knocking on the door from the minors, Danault needs to prove his worth in order to secure a spot in the Flyers lineup.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 4th line two-way center
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom six two-way center
Carter Ashton
Age: 27
Latest team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: the no-nonsense, grinding winger is back in North America after three seasons in Russia. Ashton signed a four-year contract as a free agent this summer and will bring some old-school Flyers style of play to the Wells Fargo Center over the coming seasons. With physical play, grit and hard checking as his forte, expect Ashton to become a fan favorite among Flyers fans.
Projected role – 18/19: 4th line grinding winger
Projected role – career: bottom six grinding winger
Anton Kalte
Age: 20
Latest team: Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: the young two-way forward had an encouraging rookie season with Toronto last year. Kalte is a speedy winger with good hockey sense. Somewhat lacking in size and strength, he makes up for it with solid positional play. He was acquired in exchange for Cooper Marody and a 5th round pick in the days leading up to this summer’s draft and, due to the fierce competition for spots on the Flyers offense, will start the season in the AHL.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – middle-six two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom line two-way winger
Scott Reedy
Age: 19
Latest team: Dallas Stars (NHL) – played with Portland Winterhawks (WHL) during the 17/18 season
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Another young center prospect in the Flyers organization, Reedy was brought in from Dallas this offseason. Originally rumored to get a shot at the main roster for this season, Reedy found himself getting reassigned to the WHL after Flyers’ rookie camp in July in order to develop further before making the transition to senior hockey. Standout areas are his offensive game, while defense needs further work.
Projected role – 18/19: WHL – top line offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd line offensive center
Oskar Steen
Age: 20
Latest team: Färjestads BK (SHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2017: 6th round, 176th overall)
Evaluation: Steen is the only player from the Flyers’ 2017 draft class yet having signed a contract with the organization. Coming off his final season as a junior, he will begin the coming season in the minors. The young Swede possesses a great wrist shot and has a chippy side to his game. He still needs to improve his hockey sense, but Steen should at least be a solid bottom-six option in coming seasons.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 3rd line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom line two-way winger
Drake Rymsha
Age: 20
Latest team: London Knights (OHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: Rymsha was signed as an undrafted prospect last summer and promoted to the Flyers organization this offseason. The big bodied winger has won two consecutive OHL championships with the London Knights during the past two years, and last season his offensive production exploded. Still lacking the athletic ability to compete on a high level, Rymsha is somewhat of a project player that will be given time and patience to develop in the minors.
Projected role – 18/19: ECHL – top line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-six two-way winger
Brett Murray
Age: 20
Latest team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: another undrafted prospect now promoted to senior hockey, Brett Murray had a fantastic season in the OHL last year. He led the league in points and was awarded the league MVP. It remains to be seen how he can make the transition to senior hockey – so far in his career Murray has relied on his excellent hockey sense and good puck possession skills. The Flyers organization will watch Murray’s play in the minors closely, and with a successful start in Lehigh Valley he might be given the chance in Philadelphia this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – top line offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six offensive winger
Julius Hudacek
Age: 30
Latest team: Washington Capitals (NHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: With reliable backup Jack Campbell traded to Washington on Draft day, what would suit better than to bring in Washington’s backup goalie from last season as replacement? A late-bloomer, Hudacek made his debut in North American ice hockey in 2016/17 and his first and only iNHL start last season, but has impressed in training camp and looks to form an experienced goaltending duo with Tuukka Rask.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – backup goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Sami Aittokallio
Age: 26
Latest team: Kärpät Oulu (SML)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Aittokallio was originally drafted by the Avalanche, where he spent three seasons between 2012 and 2015 and made two iNHL appearances. He has spent the past three seasons in the Finnish SM-Liiga. Acquired for depth on the goalie position, Aittokallio looks to start the season in the minors. Mentally strong and with good technique, Aittokallio still lacks the athleticism to be considered a top league goalie.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – rotating goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Felix Sandström
Age: 21
Latest team: Brynäs IF (SHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: Sandström was drafted by the Flyers in 2015 and his rights lapsed this summer. As the Flyers found themselves one man short on the goalie position, Sandström was offered an entry-level contract. Although the young Swede has been a starter for Swedish side Brynäs IF for two seasons, he still needs to develop his game further to become relevant on the highest level.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – rotating goaltender
Projected role – career: NHL – backup goaltender
Defensemen
Nathan Beaulieu
Age: 25
Latest team: Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: one of the players who have had their big breakthrough in the league during the past two seasons, Beaulieu established himself as a key piece on a weak Red Wings blue line. Due to cap issues, Detroit sent Beaulieu to Philly in the offseason. Seen as a mobile, two-way defenseman, Beaulieu will have an important role on the Flyers team this year. Could make better use of his size.
Projected role – 18/19: 2nd pairing two-way d-man
Projected role – career: 2nd pairing two-way d-man
Brandon Carlo
Age: 21
Latest team: Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Carlo was acquired from Minnesota in exchange for three prospects. The big-frame, young defenseman does not shy away from physical play, and will be used in situations when grit and physicality is needed. After his rookie season in 2016/17, Carlo spent the entire last season in the AHL. Already signed to an extension for two more years, expect him to add depth to the Flyers blue line in coming years.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 1st pairing defensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd pairing defensive d-man
Rasmus Sandin
Age: 18
Latest team: MODO Hockey (SHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2018: 3rd round, 66th overall)
Evaluation: rumoured to have attracted KHL interest after his contract with MODO Hockey ran out this summer, the Flyers made quick work in signing their 3rd round pick from this year’s draft. Sandin is an offensive-minded, puck-moving defenseman with two years of senior ice hockey already under his belt. Having not been CHL drafted, Sandin will be reassigned to the Flyers’ AHL affiliate for this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 1st pairing offensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd pairing offensive d-man
Ralph Jarratt
Age: 20
Latest team: Victoria Royals (WHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: Jarratt was acquired as an undrafted prospect last summer, and spent the past year in the WHL where he averaged above one point per game and was awarded defenseman of the year. The defensive-minded Canadian possesses a rocket shot but there are question marks surrounding how his intangibles will transfer into professional hockey. Jarratt will add to an already solid depth of d-men for the Flyers, but most likely won’t be seeing any big league action this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 3rd pairing defensive d-man
Projected role – career: NHL – 3rd pairing defensive d-man
Forwards
Jakub Vrána
Age: 22
Latest team: Washington Capitals (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: in a much-discussed trade that saw the Flyers send out defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to division rival Washington, young offensive speedster Vrána went the other way. Coming off a less-than-impressive first full iNHL season, a change of scenery might be what the former 1st round pick (2014, 13th overall) needs in order to prove himself as a top-six player in this league. An offensive spearhead, the young Czech needs to improve the defensive aspects of his game.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – middle six offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – top six offensive winger
Anatoli Golyshev
Age: 23
Latest team: Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: despite an injury-ridden 2017/18 season, Golyshev was one of the most coveted players to hit free agency this summer. The Russian winger decided to join Philadelphia, signing a two-year entry level contract. Perhaps most known to North American hockey fans for his blindside hit on Phil Baltisberger in the 2016 WJC, Golyshev combines a sense for scoring goals (44 goals in 86 games in the KHL across the past two seasons) with a physical, gritty – sometimes even dirty – style of play.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 3rd line physical winger
Projected role – career: NHL – middle six physical winger
Brett Ritchie
Age: 25
Latest team: San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: a journeyman winger, having represented four iNHL teams during the past three seasons, Ritchie will provide depth to the Flyers offense. So far Ritchie has failed to realize the potential that Dallas saw in him when they drafted him in 2011 (2nd round, 44th overall). With an ability to do a little bit of everything, the big Canadian’s versatility will be useful. However, do not expect him to get more than a non-core role in Philadelphia this season.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 4th line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom six two-way winger
Phillip Danault
Age: 25
Latest team: Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: another high draft pick (2011; 1st round, 26th overall) who has yet to live up to expectations, the Canadian was a healthy scratch in Chicago for a good part of last season. He was acquired for the negotiating rights to Marcus Foligno and Paul Stastny, and looks to start off the season on the Flyers’ bottom line. With fellow centers Gorbunov, Rydström and Malenstyn knocking on the door from the minors, Danault needs to prove his worth in order to secure a spot in the Flyers lineup.
Projected role – 18/19: NHL – 4th line two-way center
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom six two-way center
Carter Ashton
Age: 27
Latest team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency
Evaluation: the no-nonsense, grinding winger is back in North America after three seasons in Russia. Ashton signed a four-year contract as a free agent this summer and will bring some old-school Flyers style of play to the Wells Fargo Center over the coming seasons. With physical play, grit and hard checking as his forte, expect Ashton to become a fan favorite among Flyers fans.
Projected role – 18/19: 4th line grinding winger
Projected role – career: bottom six grinding winger
Anton Kalte
Age: 20
Latest team: Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: the young two-way forward had an encouraging rookie season with Toronto last year. Kalte is a speedy winger with good hockey sense. Somewhat lacking in size and strength, he makes up for it with solid positional play. He was acquired in exchange for Cooper Marody and a 5th round pick in the days leading up to this summer’s draft and, due to the fierce competition for spots on the Flyers offense, will start the season in the AHL.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – middle-six two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom line two-way winger
Scott Reedy
Age: 19
Latest team: Dallas Stars (NHL) – played with Portland Winterhawks (WHL) during the 17/18 season
Acquired through: Trade
Evaluation: Another young center prospect in the Flyers organization, Reedy was brought in from Dallas this offseason. Originally rumored to get a shot at the main roster for this season, Reedy found himself getting reassigned to the WHL after Flyers’ rookie camp in July in order to develop further before making the transition to senior hockey. Standout areas are his offensive game, while defense needs further work.
Projected role – 18/19: WHL – top line offensive center
Projected role – career: NHL – 2nd line offensive center
Oskar Steen
Age: 20
Latest team: Färjestads BK (SHL)
Acquired through: Signed Draftee (2017: 6th round, 176th overall)
Evaluation: Steen is the only player from the Flyers’ 2017 draft class yet having signed a contract with the organization. Coming off his final season as a junior, he will begin the coming season in the minors. The young Swede possesses a great wrist shot and has a chippy side to his game. He still needs to improve his hockey sense, but Steen should at least be a solid bottom-six option in coming seasons.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – 3rd line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom line two-way winger
Drake Rymsha
Age: 20
Latest team: London Knights (OHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: Rymsha was signed as an undrafted prospect last summer and promoted to the Flyers organization this offseason. The big bodied winger has won two consecutive OHL championships with the London Knights during the past two years, and last season his offensive production exploded. Still lacking the athletic ability to compete on a high level, Rymsha is somewhat of a project player that will be given time and patience to develop in the minors.
Projected role – 18/19: ECHL – top line two-way winger
Projected role – career: NHL – bottom-six two-way winger
Brett Murray
Age: 20
Latest team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Acquired through: Free Agency – promoted from juniors
Evaluation: another undrafted prospect now promoted to senior hockey, Brett Murray had a fantastic season in the OHL last year. He led the league in points and was awarded the league MVP. It remains to be seen how he can make the transition to senior hockey – so far in his career Murray has relied on his excellent hockey sense and good puck possession skills. The Flyers organization will watch Murray’s play in the minors closely, and with a successful start in Lehigh Valley he might be given the chance in Philadelphia this season.
Projected role – 18/19: AHL – top line offensive winger
Projected role – career: NHL – middle-six offensive winger