In this week’s Flyers Prospects Mailbag, we address questions involving a particular theme. Now that the organization is going through a transitional period, opinions regarding potential trades are circulating. Many people want to know which prospects might be on their way out as the Flyers attempt to strengthen their NHL roster. Well, I have some answers for you.
Let’s get to it!
Will, and or when, do you see Egor Zamula making an impact on the Phantoms or Flyers?
— Shayne Moon (@smoon_shayne) December 4, 2018
Great question! Although I do foresee Zamula making an impact at some point, I believe we are still a few years away. I like what I’ve seen from him thus far, however, the sample size is small. When he transitions to the pro game, he will most likely spend a few seasons developing in the American Hockey League.
Right now, Zamula is looked at as a possible hidden gem among prospects, going undrafted. If I’m the Flyers, I’d see if some general managers are high on the young defenseman and possibly package him in a deal for an NHL-ready talent.
Who, out of the top 5-10 prospects in the org., would you be most comfortable including in a trade for help on the NHL roster?
— Chris Coleman (@Pilebomb) December 4, 2018
This answer is 100% subjective as my list of prospects in the top five or ten may differ from others. I’d be comfortable trading either Wade Allison or Jay O’Brien if the price was right. I believe that either player could be packaged in a deal to acquire a piece that can help the Flyers right now. I’d be more open to moving Allison because of his current injury issues. However, questions surrounding his health might diminish his value.
When it comes down to it, there are only a few completely untouchable prospects in the Flyer farm system. To me, those are Carter Hart, Morgan Frost, and possibly Philippe Myers. Everyone else can be dealt for the appropriate price.
And how long would it take to get there?
— Sal Cusumano (@scusu33) December 3, 2018
Jay O’Brien is another one of those prospects currently with small sample size. It is challenging to judge a player’s performance at the high school level because of competition quality. We will learn more about O’Brien as he progresses through his college career with Providence. Still, through research and watching him play, O’Brien has the skill-set to become a top-line center at the NHL-level. Whether he will be to reach that potential is a different conversation entirely.
As for how long it will take to reach his full potential, I believe we are four to five years away. We need to factor in the time it will take for him to transition to the pro-level when he eventually gets there.
Is Carter Hart the goaltender we've been waiting 40 years for? Lol
— ?Eaglesnest365_v2.0 (@eaglesnest365) December 4, 2018
Man, I hope so. The potential is indeed there. Unfortunately, anything can happen especially with netminders. If everything goes according to plan, I think Carter Hart finds himself with the Flyers next season.
What players have a good shot at making the team next season already?
— Andreas Skogmo (@AndreasSkogmo) December 5, 2018
There are a good amount of players who I feel have a legitimate shot at making the team. Of course, this all depends on other moves Philadelphia makes. If a role is filled through trade or via free agency, things will change. I do not see a reason why Morgan Frost doesn’t make the team next year. The kid is killing it in the OHL once again and will slot in nicely at the 3C position. Myers is another one that should make his way to the Flyers roster next year, if not later this season. He’s doing everything he can to prove his worth. If management feels like he’s still not ready next season, it might be time to let another team give him a shot. Before his injury, I’d throw German Rubtsov into this category as well. Unfortunately, missing out on the rest of this season due to injury could hold him back. Carter Hart should also make the Flyers next season, but it all depends on the other steps Philadelphia takes to improve the goalie situation.
Prospect that is most likely dealt and the first one to be called up
— moody irish (@michaelcastor17) December 5, 2018
To me, the Flyers will look to deal one of their goalie prospects not named Carter Hart first. They have a few promising young players at that position and cannot use all of them. Outside of them, I’d look to some of the prospects playing in the NCAA. Allison is the first one that comes to my mind.
Nic Aube-Kubel should be the first player called up. He was playing well in the limited time he was on the ice and deserves a real opportunity. He should have never been sent back down to Lehigh Valley in the first place.
Thank you so much to all of the people who provided questions for Flyers ProspectsMailbag! If you missed out this week, keep an eye on Twitter for my next request for your prospect questions.
Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
