It’s almost Hockey season, folks! While we may still have a few weeks before the regular season kicks off, the Flyers are in preseason action tonight against the New York Islanders. Here are four players fans should be looking out for.
Joel Farabee
Selected with the 14th overall pick in last year’s NHL Draft, Joel Farabee has had a solid year of progress, including a great showing at the World Junior’s and most recently, a similarly impressive showing in Training Camp.
Farabee has been working on a line with Giroux and Couturier and it’s paid dividends. We’re seeing a much more aggressive player and someone that although still young, is beginning to emerge as a leader.
“I have some leadership qualities on and off the ice,” Farabee told our writer Jamey Baskow earlier this year. “I’m pretty vocal on the ice. Off the ice, I’m quiet as I do my work, and do what I need to do. I will do whatever the Flyers tell me, whether that’s playing with the Phantoms or the Flyers. I came here because I believe I’m at the next level in my playing career.”
I’m excited to see how that leadership transitions to preseason, a proving ground for young talent. Will we see a more vocal performance on the ice from Farabee? The young winger has plenty of explosiveness at his disposal and after turning heads over the last few weeks, should be primed to spearhead attacks tonight.
Germain Rubtsov
After a strong start in 2018-19 and an impressive developmental camp showing over the summer, German Rubtsov is starting to get some of the attention he deserves. A versatile two-way player, Rubtsov has been one of the Flyers’ best-kept secrets after being drafted 22nd-overall, but that’s through no fault of his own.
Rubtsov had his season cut short by injury last year just as he was heating up. In 14 games for the Phantoms, he had 6 goals and 4 assists…which is a stellar record. The question now is, can he pick up where he left off after a season away from the action?
Well, he scored twice in the rookie game and while this is a list of players to keep an eye on, Rubtsov will strive to make sure he’s a player you can’t take your eyes off.
Phillipe Myers
One of camp’s biggest standouts, Myers had a very strong showing during the rookie game. Myers rinsed Ho Sang of the Islanders on Wednesday as his campaign to prove himself worthy of a spot on the opening night roster continues.
The 22-year old now looks the part of a solid NHL defensemen and is beginning to play like one. What’s interesting is that we could get an early look into his potential role on the team. The Flyers PK has been an area of struggle for quite some time now and Myers is the type of big-bodied brawler that could soak up minutes and give recently-signed Provy a break as he leans to more defensive duties. He may not be a key fixture in the unit, but it’s a way onto the team. Keep an eye on the PK unit tonight to see how he fares.
Kevin Hayes
A trade for Hayes in exchange for a 2019 fifth-rounder ended perfectly for the Flyers, who signed the 27-year old to a huge seven-year deal worth $7.14M AAV. This will be our first real glimpse of Hayes in action…and that’s important.
Hayes played for Vigneault for 4 seasons before the current Flyers Head Coach was relieved of those duties with the New York Rangers following the 2017-18 season. During that span, Hayes tallied 73 goals under Vigneault, including a 25 goal season in 2017-18. The question is, can he continue to shine under Vigneault while donning a new jersey?
Let us know who you’ll be watching out for in the comments!
Photo credit: Alex Mcintyre
