With the most anticipated Philadelphia Flyers season finally upon us, this is a great time to reach out to fans and have them ask any questions about training camp. Moreover, training camp opens Friday September 15, at 9:45 a.m. sharp. Without further delay here are the questions that were posed to phillysportsnetwork.com by our Flyers faithful.
1. Jody Boyer- Ron Hextall is always preaching that he will do what is best for the team – If the defensive prospects are outstanding during camp – What are the chances of Andrew MacDonald starting the season with the Phantoms?
Replied Comment: Ed Bobbie- If he doesnt get bought out …pretty good
Replied Comment: Jody Boyer to Ed Bobbie – He has three years left and that would be six years on the cap with a buyout ( remember – Flyers still have Bryzgalov on the books till 2026-27 ) With Mr.Snider passed away, not sure the new brass would like another buyout added on for 6 years to this mess of Homers. My worst case scenario is that he plays this year but in a MUCH lesser role, year two he gets sent to the Phantoms for the ENTIRE season and the Flyers buyout his last year of 2019 that June- This way the are only tagged for 2 years on the cap at $1,916,667.
A: Jody great question. You hit the nail on the head with the cap strain it would give the Flyers if he were bought out. Moreover, your absolutely correct with the amount of years Macdonald still has left on his current deal, which is three. After last night’s rookie game, the chances of Macdonald starting this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are stronger than ever. Defenseman Mark Friedman had a phenomenal game, and if this continues from him one would have to argue a point for him to make the big club. Friedman was drafted by the Flyers in 2014 in the 3rd round (# 86). I personally think Samuel Morin, and Robert Hagg make the big club in the fall. But, if Friedman continues to have a strong camp and pre-season, I for one wouldn’t mind Macdonald being with the Phantoms to start the year. What the Flyers would need to do for this to happen is waive Macdonald, then if no team claims him after 48 hours he would be released to the Phantoms.
A: Ed- I was shocked Macdonald wasn’t bought out this past summer. I think Jody is correct with the hesitation of buying Macdonald out, as the Flyers would be responsible for a portion of his salary counting against the cap. However, the deadline for buying out players has ended. The Flyers next opportunity to do so won’t be until next summer.
2. Bill Stopfer- Is Nolan Patrick making this team?!
A: Bill…100% Patrick makes the big club in the fall. I think Patrick not only solidified that the past two days at rookie camp, but in last night’s rookie game as well. Patrick was a versatile player last night, as he played on the power play and the penalty kill last night. To me that means he is 100%. I don’t think the Flyers would have put him out there in those situations if he wasn’t 100%. Moreover, Patrick wouldn’t have laced his skates up in last night’s rookie game if he wasn’t 100%. He is very honest to the media and the fans in regards to his health. Patrick was quoted as saying in the off-season, “I was 65% to start the year last year, and I got as high as 75% healthy by the end of the year.” Plain and simple this kid is a dynamic player, who can flat out skate. His hockey IQ is off the charts. Patrick has nothing more to prove at the junior level, so it would benefit him if he is 100% healthy to make the Flyers roster this fall. I actually have him on the third line to start the year, along with Travis Konecny, and Oskar Lindblom.
It goes without saying how pumped up everyone is for this coming Flyers season. For good reason, as the youth infusion will begin to take shape. I can’t thank you enough for your support. Thanks for great questions.
If you want to submit your questions for next week’s article simply tweet us below, leave them in the comments of this article, or use #FlyersMailbag.
Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
