This past draft, Chuck Fletcher selected a few players that can be viewed as “boom or bust” prospects. In this edition of “Flyers Prospects Mailbag,” we discuss who the biggest boom or bust prospect is. Additionally, we touch on other fun topics such as Felix Sandstrom and prospects that are running out of time.
Let’s get this party started, shall we?
To me, there is very little debate on this topic. Hands down, it is Ronnie Attard. In his third season with the Tri-City Storm, Attard exploded, making him USHL’s player of the year. However, before that, there was very little to boast about. The offensive skill is there but he still needs a lot of work if he wants to succeed at the next level. If Attard receives the correct coaching and is receptive to making adjustments, he has top-four potential down the line. Still, there is a chance that he can’t adjust enough to make a real impact in professional hockey. If that’s the case, he’ll never crack the NHL roster.
I believe the Flyers are ready to move on from Mikhail Vorobyev now. His opportunity to fit into the NHL roster was last season and it just didn’t work out. However, I’m not too sure that there is a team interested in acquiring him. He’s an RFA after this season and I think Philadelphia will just let him walk. If they can get a late-round pick out of him, great. Still, I don’t think it’s likely.
Nicolas Aube-Kubel is a different story. The Flyers hope they have a solid bottom-six forward in the 23-year-old and will give him the opportunity to prove his worth at some point this season. If he’s not doing enough to impress Philadelphia, my guess is he isn’t doing enough to impress other teams as well. I’m not sure there will be much of a market for him. It might be another case where the Flyers allow him to walk after this season. For now, though, I think they want to hold onto Aube-Kubel and make him a part of the future plans.
Hey, I like the sound of that! It isn’t out of the realm of possibility. However, there is a young man by the name of Joel Farabee that may make it difficult.
The last sentence of your question is the deciding factor. If we are mathematically out of the playoffs or have our playoff position locked up, Felix Sandstrom might receive some NHL games. However, I believe that the Flyers are going to be competing for a playoff spot or seeding until the end of the season. Of course, this makes the likelihood of Sandstrom playing in Philadelphia unlikely.
At the same time, there will be no need to rush Sandstrom’s development. Unless he absolutely lights the AHL on fire, I think Chuck Fletcher will go out and get another veteran to backup Carter Hart for 2020-21 as well.
Yes, I believe either Morgan Frost or Joel Farabee will make the Flyer roster out of training camp. As for which of the two has the best shot, it’s honestly a toss-up. I tend to lean slightly in favor of Frost because I have more of a sample size to view. However, Farabee certainly has the skill to make the team as well. It will be a very intriguing battle to watch between those two during training camp and the preseason.
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
