Flyers Open Camp; Thoughts Part One

Not much can be told after only one day of camp. The first day, which is usually some half-hearted light skating, and then a "pond hockey" type scrimmage. The Flyers have few questions when it pertains to who will don Orange and Black sweaters this season. However, the few roster questions are intriguing to say the least.

The Flyers have a number of young exciting players in camp, some that could challenge for roster spots. They also have some veteran players looking for a fresh start. However, in part one we'll discuss the younger guys.

We all know Steve Downie and Claude Giroux, chances are both will make the squad. First I'm going to focus on some of the young talent you might not of heard of yet. And not just "prospects," guys who could legitimately challenge some veterans for spots.

RW Andreas Nodl

At St. Cloud State Nodl posted 46 points in 40 games. Subsequently, Nodl earned the WCHA Rookie of the Year award. Nodl has size and speed, and a nice accurate shot. He sometimes lacks the "motor" necessary for an NHL caliber player. He sort of lets the play come to him. One other knock on him was his lack of defensive pursuit, however, last season he seemed to have improved that aspect of his game. All in all Nodl could be a real deal player, with his offensive ability, his improving defensive skills and board work he looks to have a bright future. Challenging for a spot on the wings might not be as easy as it seems, but Nodl is capable of having a good camp and the Flyers brass may not be able to ignore him. Regardless, I see him in a Flyers jersey sooner rather then later.

D Michael Ratchuk

The Flyers couldn't be higher on Ratchuk, he is the definition of a "New NHL" defensemen. Speedy and great handling the puck he's a coaches dream. Ratchuk had played forward his entire life but switched a few years back when his team was in need of defense help. Playing at the blue line and with his skills Ratchuk realized how much more room he had to handle the puck. And anybody whose played hockey and had success knows that space can make all the difference. Ratchuk most likely won't crack the Flyers line-up because surprisingly the Flyers are kind of deep at D. However, like Nodl I see him in the Flyers uniform sooner rather then later.

D Kevin Marshall

Another guy the Flyers are real high on is Kevin Marshall. Marhall is what I'd describe as a smaller yet more physical Braydon Coburn. He's a very good positional defensemen, great skating ability and rarely gets caught where he shouldn't be. Finishes his checks and is an exactly example of a "stay at home" defensemen. Like Ratchuk he most likely won't crack the line-up early. However, we all know that hockey is a rough sport and your going to have injuries. So in the end it's nice to have good options back at the blue line.


Do I see any of these guys making the Flyers right out of camp? Barring injuries no, but it shows you the Flyers do have some talent waiting in the wings. All three I believe have futures in the NHL very soon. What do you think?

Mike Santa Barbara