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Meltzer's Musings: 9-10-10 |
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The best early news from the Flyers pre-camp workouts is that, for the second straight year, James Van Riemsdyk spent the summer focusing on adding strength and muscle to his frame. Last year, it paid off with an outstanding preseason that enabled him to make the NHL roster rather than starting the season in the AHL with the Phantoms.
JVR's laid-back demeanor has led some within the Flyers organization to be concerned he lacks the moxie necessary to be an NHL power forward. But I think he's shown that he's serious about his career. People may have to just accept that he's never going to be someone who initiates a lot of physical play. That's fine, so long as he doesn't shy away from it, either.
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Prospect notes:
* It has been confirmed to me by Paul Holmgren and by Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees head coach Chris Brooks that Flyers goaltending prospect Brad Phillips has elected to leave the University of Notre Dame and sign a contract with the Central Hockey League franchise in Hidalgo, TX.
The 21-year-old Phillips was originally a product of US National Team Development Program. He was drafted by the Flyers in the seventh round (182nd overall) of the 2007 Entry Draft. Like most teenage goaltenders, Phillips was extremely raw, but the organization liked his size and natural athleticism.
Unfortunately, Phillips didn't get to play much at Notre Dame. In his freshman year, he was limited to five games while backing up junior goalie Jordan Pearce (now a pro goalie who split last season between the ECHL and AHL). In his sophomore year, Phillips tore up a knee and missed the entire season after undergoing surgery. Last season, Phillips was expected to beat out first season goalie Mike Johnson for the primary starting role, but he ended up as a backup again, playing just 10 games.
According to Holmgren, Phillips and his advisor were in contact with the Flyers to inform the organization of his decision to leave college before signing with RGV. The Flyers GM declined to comment on whether he thought the CHL represented a step down for the prospect in terms of quality of opposition relative to the caliber of play in the NCAA. Although the CHL is a professional league, the caliber of play is a notch below that of the ECHL.
Phillips was clearly not progressing at a rate that would have him on track to sign a pro entry level contract with the Flyers at the end of his college eligibility. Personally, I think he'd have been better off playing out his college career and seeing what happens. However, it is also possible for him to work his way up the minor leagues one rung at a time, even if it won't be as a member of the Flyers' organization.
* Goalie prospect Joacim Eriksson continued a strong preseason with a 31-save shutout in SAIK's 5-0 win over TIK. His club play its final preseason game today against minor league club Sundsvall.
* Defense prospect Simon Bertilsson suffered a bruised knee in a recent preseason game but has not missed any action for BIK. His team finishes the preseason today against minor league club Leksand.
* Andrei Popov and his Traktor Chelyabinsk team had a rough regular season opener in a 7-2 loss to Salavat Yulaev Ufa. Popov, skating on the second line, was held without a point and was a minus-two in 17 minutes of ice time. He did have two shots on goal.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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