VOORHEES, N.J. – It’s most likely the Flyers will carry only seven defensemen on their roster this season.
The problem is, they have eight worthy candidates.
Five spots are already locked up with veterans Travis Sanheim, Rasmus Ristolainen, Cam York, Jamie Drysdale and Nick Seeler.
That means the No. 6 starter spot and No. 7 reserve post are up for grabs.
The trio of contenders includes David Jiricek, Oliver Bonk and Simon Benoit.
Jiricek might have the inside track for the starter’s role because he’s already being groomed for a possible point man on the power play due to a strong shot.
Coach Rick Tocchet isn’t tipping his hand just yet but it would appear Jiricek has the inside track to play on opening night next Wednesday vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tocchet likes the way Jiricek plays, even if he looks “choppy” at times. Is that a problem?
“No,” Tocchet said with a grin, “I was ugly, too.”
But seriously folks, Jiricek might not be the smoothest skater but he seems to find a way to get the make the necessary plays.
“We have a couple guys who don’t look the greatest but they get the job done,” the coach said. “It might not look pretty sometimes but he does get the job done.”
Drysdale said having a competition for the last couple shots can be a good thing.
“I think that’s the good thing about our team,” Drysdale said. “We’re pretty deep. I mean even watching these first two games. Lots of guys have stood out and kind of looked good. It’s never a bad thing to have that competition. They’re playing well and looking good. Definitely a positive. We’ve got options for sure.”
Jiricek is quickly making a good impression with the coaches. He could be paired with Seeler and that would be good thing since Seeler is such a solid, veteran backliner.
“It’s good to play with him,” Jiricek said. “I try to learn from him. I felt pretty comfortable with him.”
And if he happens to get some playing time on the power play?
“I don’t know if I’m going to be on the power play but I’ve been taking some reps,” he said. “You never know. I try to do the right things there.”
>Barkey skates
Prior to practice, Denver Barkey (injured in Monday night’s game) skated on his own in a non-contact jersey. He’s listed as day-to-day.
>Luchanko evaluation
Jett Luchanko played in the first two preseason games so he got Wednesday off, along with teammate Cole Knuble.
Tocchet said Luchanko is making progress.
“I think he’s been stacking little days of goodness every day,” the coach said. “There are things he’s done that we’ve asked him to do. The last two nights that’s been our best line (Knuble, Carl Grundstrom). You have to give him (Luchanko) credit for being the center on that line.”
>Six put on waivers
The Flyers put six players on waivers on Wednesday: Zach Aston-Reese, Cam Dineen, Nolan Foote, Carl Grundstrom, Danila Klimovich and Jack Studnicka.
>Six headed to Phantoms
Philadelphia assigned six players to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms: Noah Powell, Riley Thompson, Spencer Gill, Hunter McDonald, Ty Murchison and Carson Bjarnason.
>Short shots
Tocchet said he’s been looking at different line combinations. Many of his veterans will play in Thursday night’s first home preseason game against Boston.
“We’re still experimenting,” he said. “I had TK (Travis Konecny) with (Tyson) Foerster). As a coach, you’re trying to find puzzles (pieces that match). That’s what we’re trying to do right now.”
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