By my unofficial count, six veterans have been on the ice at the Philadelphia Flyers’ Training Center in Voorhees.
Oh, they are three weeks early.
Good for them.
Some of it has to do with getting a head start on redeeming themselves after back-to-back miserable seasons.
Some of it has to do with getting in shape for what will be a grueling camp under new coach John Tortorella.
In any event, it’s a positive sign for a team that accumulated just 61 points last season, the second-worst year in franchise history.
“It’s a good way to get a jump on things,” right winger Zack MacEwen said. “It’s always good to get familiar with all the guys going into camp, and obviously if you’re here, you can work out and get yourself in the best possible shape for the upcoming season.”
The veterans who have been at the Training Center for the Philadelphia Flyers: Travis Konecny, Cam Atkinson, Joel Farabee, MacEwen, Nic Deslauriers, and Travis Sanheim. More are expected this weekend. And I’m not including Wade Allison, who is here and has played in 15 NHL games but is far from a veteran. He is among many prospects who have been skating.
Torts will arrive in the area next week, I’m told. By then, expect more than half of the veterans to be here.
NHL News & National Hockey Now
Here are some links to stories around the NHL, including Philly:
Philly Hockey Now: Scott Laughton reveals a secret about his wedding. Philadelphia Flyers.
Philly Hockey Now: You can watch or listen to our weekly Flyers podcast here. Special guest Brian Startare did not hold back when analyzing what has happened to the Orange and Black. I miss B-Star’s always-lively radio chatter on the Flyers.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Should the Penguins hold off on giving All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry a contract extension? Dave Moilinari weighs in. Pittsburgh Penguins.
Washington Hockey Now: Peter Laviolette’s son, Peter Laviolette III, has been taking part in informal skating sessions for the Caps, writes Sammi Silber. The elder Laviolette, of course, once directed the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals. Can that really be 12 years ago? Washington Capitals.
Boston Hockey Now: Who will make the Bruins’ opening-day roster? Joe Haggerty writes about Tomas Nosek’s chances. Boston Bruins.
New York Islanders Hockey Now: The Isles’ prospect pool is not highly regarded, but Bridgeport coach Brent Thompson and his staff will try to help those AHL players develop and reach the NHL. New York Islanders.
Montreal Hockey Now: Habs sniper Cole Caufield, a player the Flyers bypassed twice in the 2019 draft — they ended up getting Cam York, and, thanks to a trade, Bobby Brink — has kept busy this summer, preparing for the season with elite company. . He had 23 goals in 67 games last season. Montreal Canadiens.
Colorado Hockey Now: Which free agents are still out there, and what are their likely destinations? Colorado Avalanche.
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