Quick Hits: August 30, 2021
1) On the new edition of the Prospect Pipeline podcast on the Flyers Broadcast Network, Brian Smith and I discuss the ongoing Flyers Development Camp. We talk about why this year's edition is a little different than a typical Development Camp. We run down what to look for in the days ahead, culminating with a 3-on-3 scrimmage on Wednesday. We also discuss various notable prospects to watch in Development Camp and training camp as well as some of the unaffiliated invitees to this camp. To listen, click here.
2) On PhiladelphiaFlyers.com, there is a wrapup of Day 1 of the Development Camp. The focus is on Egor Zamula, Morgan Frost, Wade Allison, Cam York and Samu Tuomaala. Each day, we will highlight different players and their perspectives. To read, click here.
The next batch of players highlighted will include Tyson Foerster, Tanner Laczynski and Linus Sandin. Due to a visa-related issue, Sandin was unable to participate in on-ice activities on Sunday but could to be on the ice today. Maksim Sushko also did not participate.
3) Tuomaala, who did his first English interview without the assistance of a translator, said on Sunday that he plans to play the 2021-22 season in North America rather than returning to Finland to play Liiga hockey for Kà¤rpà¤t Oulu. He was selected in the first round of the 2020 CHL Import Draft by the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL. However, as a player selected from a European league in his draft year, Tuomaala is exempt from the CHL-AHL age rule and is eligible to immediately play in the American Hockey League for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms if the Flyers choose to assign him to the AHL instead.
If he plays for the Phantoms in 2021-22 and/or 2022-23, Tuomaala's NHL entry-level contract with slide on the same basis as if he played in the Ontario League. In other words, it would not burn the first year of the ELC. However, at least for this coming season, playing major junior hockey might be the more prudent path. Tuomaala saw sparing ice time in five Liiga games last season and, while he was dominated the U18 Worlds offensively for Team Finland, he has some significant adjustments ahead of him.
Hockey-wise, he faces the usual adaptation to the small-rink game that all players who come over from Europe have to navigate. Tuomaala could also use a year to get more fully comfortable speaking English and adapting to the off-ice routines. Additionally, unlike Foerster and Zayde Wisdom, who played well in the American Hockey League last season due to the long delay and eventual cancellation of the 2020-21 OHL season, Tuomaala is physically immature and could use more time to add strength to his frame.
Skills wise, Tuomaala is a high-end prospect. You can't teach speed, hands or the moxie to go to the scoring areas, and he has all three. However, Tuomaala's draft year scouting reports indicated that he needs a little more emotional maturity in not getting too frustrated in games where things don't go his way.
For his part, Tuomaala said his goal this fall is to earn a spot on the Phantoms rather than going to the OHL. However, this is ultimately the Flyers decision as to what would be best for the player this season. In the Ontario League, he'd get plenty of ice time including power play time. With the Phantoms, especially if an NHL roster numbers game plays out in a way where numerous older prospects start the season in the AHL, there may not be as much ice time available.
4) On today's edition of the Flyers Daily podcast, Jason Myrtetus has a 25-minute conversation with Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher. Among the topics discussed are Sean Couturier's eight-year contract extension, the volume of moves made this offseason, striking a balance between veteran upgrades and providing opportunities for young players to earn roster spots during the season and more. To listen, click here.
5) The second annual Flyers Warriors Raffle is underway. The grand prize is a pair of lower-level Flyers season tickets for the 2021-22 season. Second prize is an autographed Cam Atkinson Flyers jersey. Third prize is an autographed Ryan Ellis Flyers jersey. Fourth prize is four tickets to a Flyers home game in 2021-22. Fifth prize is a pair of tickets to a home game in 2021-22.
Tickets are being sold one for $20 or three for $50. Tickets can be purchased through any Flyers Warriors player. This year, the Flyers Warriors will not be selling tickets through their social media accounts. However, if you need assistance purchasing a ticket, you can contact the Flyers Warriors via their social media accounts.
The raffle drawing will take place on October 2, 2021. Good luck to all who participate. Proceeds benefit the Flyers Warriors program.
6) Aug. 30 Flyers Alumni birthdays: Jean-Guy Gendron (1934), Vladimir Malakhov (1968).