In this week’s edition of “Flyers Prospects Mailbag”, we discuss the Jay O’Brien situation, Morgan Frost, goaltending, and a bit more.
Let’s get this party started!
Hey Pete, I believe that Morgan Frost has what it takes to make the Flyers out of training camp next year. However, the moves Chuck Fletcher makes this offseason is going to greatly impact whether it actually happens. Philadelphia will try to improve its NHL-ready center depth this summer, most likely finding someone to fill that second-line center role. Of course, this would place Nolan Patrick on the third line. If Frost is to play on the Flyers right at the start of the regular season, it will be on the wing. Honestly, this would be far from a bad scenario. It would certainly remove some pressure and allow him to continue his development while playing at the highest level.
Jay O’Brien is leaving Providence. It is uncertain where he will play next season but the CHL, USHL, and BCHL have been mentioned as possibilities. O’Brien has stated that he will take a few weeks before he makes a final decision. His freshman season did not go the way he originally hoped and O’Brien is hoping to hit the reset button in a new league. He cited the opportunity to play more games as a big reason for leaving. My feelings on his choice to move all depends on which league he ends up. If he plays in either the OHL, WHL, or QMJHL, I am all for it. However, I will become a little worried if he goes to either the USHL or the BCHL. It is not a knock on either of those leagues. Still, I do believe that it is a step backward for Jay O’Brien instead of forward.
Felix Sandstrom will be the first member of that list to join Carter Hart in Philadelphia. However, I think we are about two years away from that happening. We need to keep in mind that these prospects will only make it as far as a backup in Philadelphia. As they begin to show starter-potential, the Flyers would be wise to trade them and maximize the return.
A lot can happen from now to 2021, however, I do believe Isaac Ratcliffe will be with the Flyers by then. I would not be incredibly shocked if he was a mid-season call up next season, for that matter. However, it is more likely that he contends for a spot on the Flyers roster during the camp before the 2020-21 season.
This is a tough one. I think the anticipation surrounding Morgan Frost is a little greater at this point so I’m going to go with him. His accomplishments in the OHL these past two seasons have been incredible and I am hopeful that his success will translate to the NHL. That being said, Joel Farabee comes with a great deal of excitement as well. Both of them will be a lot of fun to watch wherever they play next season.
Thank you so much to all of the people who provided questions for Flyers Prospects Mailbag! If you missed out this week, keep an eye on Twitter for my next request for your prospect questions.
Mandatory Credit: Derrik Bobb
