Philadelphia Flyers HC Alain Vigneault addressed the media ahead of training camp regarding player health statuses and lineup opportunities.
Everyone wants an update on Wade Allison. He’s a hot topic following an injury against the New York Rangers in Sunday’s rookie game. While crucial to game planning throughout training camp for opening night, Allison’s health isn’t the only question needing an answer.
Following the uncovering of Riley Cote’s text message exchange with Samuel Morin, the Flyers understand his knee injury isn’t “significant.” Sam Carchidi reported that Morin should miss the beginning of training camp, however.
What do we expect from Vigneault’s address? A clear update on Morin and Allison, for starters. Then, maybe a plan is in motion to relieve Allison in Philadelphia’s bottom-six? Vigneault shouldn’t show his hand, revealing who will replace Allison. Instead of naming one option, he could give an array of options to keep his lineup a mystery.
Besides those updates on health statuses, Vigneault could engage in questions centered around Morgan Frost. Opportunity is waiting for Frost at the NHL level. Ian Laperriere made his opinion apparent regarding Frost at the end of rookie camp:
“I hope I don’t see him.”
Ian Laperriere; 9/19/2021
Ahead of training camp, there is a lively battle for an aspiring center role. What did Vigneault address at his press conference today?
Health Updates
Yesterday, Kevin Hayes didn’t feel right. He received an MRI on his groin, which resulted in surgery today. Hayes will miss around six to eight weeks, which translates to about nine to ten games. In good spirits, Hayes is happy the medical staff “got this early.”
Unfortunately, Wade Allison will be out for a while. Alain Vigneault stated, “it’s going to be a long time.” Vigneault treats an undetermined time frame as indefinitely, which is the right way to approach the lineup with a plan of action.
According to the Philadelphia Flyers, Samuel Morin underwent surgery to repair loose ends on his knee on September 10th, 2021. Similar to Hayes, Morin will miss six to eight weeks.
Cooper Zech will also miss six to eight weeks.
Lineup Opportunities
Beginning with the players who won’t receive an opportunity, Ethan Burroughs and Nolan Ritchie were released. JR Avon remains heading into training camp.
At the NHL level, Morgan Frost will receive an opportunity. With Kevin Hayes missing significant time, he’s nearly a lock to be in the lineup on opening night. Another spot remains open. In the running for the 4C role with Hayes out of the lineup could be Derick Brassard, Nate Thompson, Connor Bunnaman, Jackson Cates, and Tanner Laczynski.
Of course, Vigneault could adjust his depth chart. Claude Giroux could take Hayes’ spot, leaving a battle for 4C down to Frost, Thompson, Bunnaman, Cates, and Laczynski. In doing so, that pushes Joel Farabee to the first line and Brassard to the 4LW role. All that leaves open is an opportunity in Wade Allison’s role.
Linus Sandin is the appropriate recall, especially with Allison missing significant time.
In all, here is how the lineup could look on opening night if team health maintains:
86-14-11
25-28-89
23-48-36
19-21-62
9-94
6-70
3-61
24
79
(35)
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
