VOORHEES, N.J. – Once a hockey player finds himself right in the middle of the world’s fastest game, it’s a tough thing to skate away from him.
The Flyers’ Denver Barkey, all 5-foot-10, 170 pounds of him, made the move from wing to the pivot for a couple games in last year’s playoffs due to an injury to Noah Cates.
He liked it so much, and played so well, it looks as if that’s where he could wind up when the season gets underway on Sept. 30.
Barkey is quick enough and light enough on his skates to make up for any lack of height or girth. Plus his hockey IQ is through the roof. That can help keep him out of trouble as well.
He did play center in junior back in London, Ont. when he was 16 years old. So it’s not a completely overwhelming transition.
“It takes a lot of work to be an established NHL centerman,” Barkey acknowledged after Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage at the Flyers Training Center. “One thing I’ve always taken pride in is being a versatile player, someone who can play center or wing.”
Barkey says whatever experience he lacks at center can be made up by studying a lot of video, which he’s done.
“I know the task at hand,” he said. “What a centerman needs to do in all three zones through the game. Having the opportunity to show them I can play center and hold my own is just another opportunity for me. Looking to run away with it.”
A meeting with the coaching staff over the summer laid the groundwork for the potential switch.
It’s not like the Flyers have a desperate need in the middle post. They already have Trevor Zegras, Sean Couturier, Christian Dvorak and Cates at that position.
“They (the coaches) let me know they like how I played at center in those two playoff games,” the 21-year-old Newmarket, Ont. native said. “I wasn’t out of place sort of thing. I worked on things over the summer that are going to help me excel at that position.”
Barkey only posted 17 points in 43 regular-season games last year but that could change if he finds himself between a couple talented wingers.
One player Barkey is sure to consult with is Couturier, the Flyers captain who is the dean of all Philadelphia professional athletes.
“If I continue to stay there (at center), ‘Coots’ will be a big one,” Barkey said. “Pick the brain of him. . .a (Frank J.) Selke (Trophy) winner, someone who knows how to play the game the right way. He plays the offensive side of the puck and the defensive side of the puck very well.
“He’s just a guy you can put out there in any situation and rely on him. I’ll work with him after practice. See if he has some pointers to help me out.”
A lot of NHL centers go around 6-foot-3 and about 200 pounds. Barkey is far from that but it won’t stop him from achieving his goal once he sets his mind to it. Carolina playoff hero Logan Stankoven (5-foot-8, 165 pounds) is a good example of overcoming a size deficiency
“Over the years you’ve seen more and more guys be able to have a big impact on this league,” Barkey said. “He (Stankoven) is only 5-8, 5-9 and yet he made a huge impact in all three zones. He did a lot of things a lot of people probably didn’t think he could do. He won a lot of puck battles and he wasn’t afraid. That’s someone I try to keep a close eye on. Stature-wise, we’re pretty similar.”
Coach Rick Tocchet believes Barkey has what it takes to make the switch, if that’s the direction the team is headed.
“There’s something there we have to look at,” Tocchet said. “He’s a smart guy. I don’t think he hurts you defensively. So that (move) is something we’re going to have to look into.”
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