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 | As training camp inches closer and closer, there is one question that remains about the Philadelphia Flyers forward corps. After adding Vinny Lecavalier, the top 9 got more dangerous, and a little more crowded, especially at center. There are eight forwards currently on the roster that can be penciled into the top three forward lines. | | Philadelphia - September 4, 2013 - As training camp inches closer and closer, there is one question that remains about the Philadelphia Flyers forward corps. After adding Vinny Lecavalier, the top 9 got more dangerous, and a little more crowded, especially at center. There are eight forwards currently on the roster that can be penciled into the top three forward lines.
They are: Claude Giroux, Vinny Lecavalier, Scott Hartnell, Jakub Voracek, Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Sean Couturier, and Matt Read. The most likely scenario is that Brayden Schenn remains at left wing when he played at times last season, Lecavalier slides into the second line role, and Giroux and Couturier maintain their spots as first and third line center respectively.
The established top eight forwards for the Flyers is one that boasts an enviable amount of young, budding talent that is among the best in the league. The fourth line appears to be set as well, with Max Talbot and Zac Rinaldo occupying two spots, and Jay Rosehill and Adam Hill filling the final fourth line spot and 13th forward role on a rotating basis depending upon the opponent. That leaves one spot open on the third line, and there are a myriad of options the Flyers could choose. Here’s a look at the “favorites”:
Scott Laughton: Coming off a strong season in Oshawa for the Generals, Laughton got a taste of NHL action last season and did not look out of place, but failed to register a point in five games with limited ice time. Viewed as the best prospect in the organization, Laughton is a natural center that brings a good defensive game, energy, and leadership with good offensive skills. The problem with Laughton is that he has spent little time at wing in his career, and with Giroux, Schenn, Lecavalier, and Couturier all more established centers at the NHL level, he would not be playing his natural position. Considering his style is that of a two-way playmaker, his game is certainly best suited as a center. Laughton is not eligible to play in the AHL yet, so it’s either the NHL, or another season in the OHL with a likely World Juniors appearance for Team Canada.
Tye McGinn: Last season, McGinn also got a chance to play some NHL games for the Flyers, and played well. The allure of McGinn is the big 6’2”, 206 lb. body he brings and the decent hands that come along with it. He put up 5 points in 18 games for the Flyers last year in limited ice time, and brings the size and physicality in forwards that the Flyers like. He’s a willing fighter, and will stand up for his smaller teammates. He has never been an elite point producer, but brings a style that compliments smaller, more skilled forwards very well.
Michael Raffl: Raffl is the real wild card in this race because he is such an unknown. Playing in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second tier Swedish league behind the newly named SEL, he put up nearly a point a game, with 46 points in 49 games. He brings good size to the table, can play either wing position, and is responsible defensively. He grabbed attention playing internationally at the World Championships on a line with Thomas Vanek for Team Austria, scoring three points in seven games.
It is unlikely his offensive numbers will translate to the NHL due to a large jump in the quality of competition in the NHL compared to Sweden. Some have compared him to Mika Pyorala, a Finn who was another versatile two-way player that played for the Flyers in 2009-2010. As long as expectations for his offense are tempered, he could be a versatile player that is deployed throughout the Flyers’ bottom six.
In Part Two of my look at the third line wing position, I will examine some of the dark horses that could find their way onto the Flyers opening day roster.
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