The NHL regular season is officially underway and the AHL begins its 83rd regular season tonight. The 2018-19 season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms with high expectations and a great deal of promise. Thanks to terrific drafting by Flyers General Manager, Ron Hextall, throughout the years, the Phantoms are flush with young and talented players looking to make their name in professional hockey.
As the year progresses, we may come across an unsung hero flying under the radar that exceeds expectations and puts the hockey world on notice. Even if that does not happen, the Phantoms roster is filled with players worth keeping an eye on.
Here is my list of the top five most intriguing players in Lehigh Valley to start the new season. Of course, this list is always subject to change.
5. German Rubtsov
Since being drafted 22nd-overall in 2016, German Rubtsov seems to have gotten lost in the Flyers bountiful prospect pool. Known for his discipline and effectiveness on the defensive side of the puck, Rubtsov has failed to produce the offensive numbers expected of a center taken in the first round. He recorded 15 goals and 28 assists in 49 games in the QMJHL last season. Additionally, Rubtsov posted 10 points in 19 postseason games, helping the Acadie-Bathurst Titan capture both the QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup title
The 20-year-old prospect stands out defensively and has a lot of intangibles that will prove to be valuable at the AHL and eventually NHL level. He just needs to improve in the offensive side of the ice and many believe that he can do so by adopting a more aggressive style of play.
In his first season in Lehigh Valley, the stakes could not be higher for Rubstov. It is time for him to make an impression and gain the attention of both the Flyers front office and the fanbase.
4. Nicolas Aube-Kubel
Nicolas Aube-Kubel was one of the players that had high expectations surrounding him in training camp. Though he showed signs of being able to hang in the NHL, it was inconsistent. The third-year Phantom has a lot to prove this season, looking to show everybody watching that he is the real deal. If his numbers can take another jump, his speed and physicality could have him in Philadelphia before season’s end. However, while he remains with the Phantoms, Aube-Kubel must become of their bigger impact players.
3. Carsen Twarynski
Carsen Twarynski, a former third-round pick, was one of the more pleasant surprises during this year’s training camp. Though Flyers head coach, Dave Hakstol, claimed to not be surprised by his efforts, Twarynski flew under most people’s radar before this camp.
In his final year in the WHL, Twarynski saw a massive jump in his numbers, scoring 45 goals and adding 27 assists in 68 contests. His increase in offensive production was a direct result of more shot attempts. Now that Twarynski knows he is capable of lightning the lamp with consistency, he will look to bury more than a few pucks in the net for Lehigh Valley.
2. Philippe Myers
With the injury to Andrew MacDonald, it appeared as though it was time for Philippe Myers to join the Flyers. Unfortunately for the young defenseman, things did not turn out the way he wanted. He is now back in Lehigh Valley with a big chip on his shoulder. Myers is going to do everything he can to make it up to the NHL before the 2018-19 season comes to a close, and the Phantoms should benefit from that hunger to succeed.
1. Carter Hart
No other prospect in the Philadelphia Flyers organization comes with as much hype as Carter Hart. For an organization that has been in desperate need of an elite goaltender for a long time, excitement surrounds Hart as he hopes to fill that void. If all goes well, Hart will spend the season’s entirety with Lehigh Valley as he continues to develop and strengthen his game. Watching Hart tend goal and continue his growth will be unforgettable for both the Phantoms organization and its fans.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
