Olle Lycksell agreed to a 2yr/$1.575mil contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Daniel Briere completed contract extensions with previous restricted free agents, including Ronnie Attard, Cam York, and Noah Cates. The remaining domino to fall is Morgan Frost.
Lycksell skated in eight games with the Flyers in 2022-2023. He recorded an assist in his debuting NHL stint. On the road against the Edmonton Oilers, Lycksell notched his assist, jamming Philip Broberg on the forecheck. Kevin Hayes recovered the puck and found Owen Tippett for the finish.
Last season, Lycksell spent most of his time with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL. During the regular season, he totaled 45 points (14G, 31A) in 53GP. Then, the Phantoms began their chase for the AHL Calder Cup. Lycksell added four points (2G, 2A) in the first-round loss to the Charlotte Checkers in three games, 2-1. His first AHL season was a success.
On a two-way contract, he is waiver protected. He’ll compete with skaters like Tanner Laczynski and Wade Allison. In all likelihood, another season with the Phantoms would benefit Lycksell.
Seizing his opportunities, Lycksell manages to translate his game efficiently. Dating back to the NHL Rookie Series ahead of the 2022-2023 season between the Flyers and New York Rangers, Lycksell contributed a goal on Dylan Garand.
One message that remained consistent from head coaches with Lycksell on the ice is how hard he contributes. Ian Laperriere said the Flyers noticed the work ethic on the ice, including Lycksell. In a rebuild, the pure tenacity of prospects is incredibly valuable, especially when battling for a spot in a John Tortorella lineup:
“I thought the team laid it out there. Did all the things we asked of them, checked. We played a hard game, [but] just couldn’t find a way to win.”
John Tortorella; 2/21/2023
A newly minted contract extension through 2024-2025 gives Lycksell another chance to break through from the AHL to the NHL. Laczynski fits into the extra forward slot and offers flexibility to play C. Allison plays an electric brand of hockey. Bobby Brink buzzed the audience at the Flyers Training Center during the Team Clarke versus Team Lindros scrimmage but has a lot to prove since missing last season due to a torn left hip labrum. At the end of the season, Laczynski will become an unrestricted free agent, while Briere will decide to tender an extension to upcoming restricted free agents like Brink and Allison.
The depth at RW ahead of Lycksell likely forces him out of the opening night lineup between the Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Standing around as the extra forward won’t help his development like another season in the AHL. Lycksell will likely thrive with other RWs on the Phantoms, such as Brink and Samu Tuomaala. Lycksell cannot afford to become complacent at any point throughout these next two seasons because the prospects behind him are as promising.
At the 2023 Flyers Training Camp, Lycksell hopes to improve his playmaking and accurate shooting, making a more powerful impression on the coaching staff with an exceptional showing.
(Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)
