The Flyers had to make decisions about who would fill the spots of Rasmus Ristolainen and Derick Brassard for Saturday’s loss at Detroit.
The Flyers called Jackson Cates for Brassard but instead of making another transaction they went with Nick Seeler, Ristolainen.
The AHL Phantoms now have five forwards, and one of them is Morgan Frost (who had been out with a illness when the Flyers called up Cates). The Flyers have lost two top defensemen and did not choose to have Cam York replace them. York was injured in Friday’s Phantoms game two hours after York made the deal.
Frost and York were both in good health and had been playing well at NHL level when the Flyers sent them down. General manager Chuck Fletcher stated Frost was getting better and more productive. Fletcher acknowledged York’s participation in the first, second, and third defensive pairings and said he proved he can compete in any role.
Fletcher stated that minutes and usage were the key factors in his decision. York averaged almost 20 minutes per game with the Flyers in his eight first games. After Jan. 20, York was moved to the third team and averaged just under 15 minutes in each of the five subsequent games. Frost averaged nearly 14 minutes in this time period, which was almost the same as his average from Dec. 29, through Jan. 20,.
York and Frost were both Flyers players, but they had also been able to play on the second power-play unit. However, at Lehigh Valley, they can play on both the penalty-kill and top power-play units.
Fletcher said that it’s all about continuing to play, developing and playing in all situations. It doesn’t matter if it’s up there. But if it’s down there, that is fine. It’s all about working with them.
Flyers can give them more time on ice if that’s what they want.
Frost has only played on Frost’s second line since Dec. 29. Frost spent the rest of his time on the third or fourth lines. He only saw four games with Flyers opening-night teammates. In those four games, Frost only had one goal and one assist. Frost found his rhythm with the third-line, but Frost’s style of play is better suited to playing alongside skilled men on a higher line. He hasn’t had that opportunity.
York is a smaller but more skilled defenseman. York has played in all three pairings, and he was strong on all three. He scored his most points when he was paired with a larger defenseman on the second or first pair.
It would be a sign of an iron sharpens Iron mentality to bring the two first-round draft selections back up. While having more skilled partners and linemates would bring out their talents, they would have to rise to the challenge of the game’s speed and physicality to be successful. Fletcher stated that the confidence they can gain from playing at a lower level can be just equally valuable.
The Flyers could lose their jobs if they move York or Frost up to higher lines and pairs. What does a loss in this season’s playoffs mean? They will not make it to the playoffs unless the Flyers dramatically improve their situation starting Tuesday’s road game against Pittsburgh Penguins. They will be playing for pride and morale and the future. Fletcher stated that Frost and York are very important to our future. York’s replacements are older and therefore not part of the long-term solution for Flyers.
Although the losses don’t affect the season’s final results, they have an impact on Flyers locker rooms. Mike Yeo, the interim coach, acknowledged that these are difficult times. The players acknowledged that they have shown great character in overcoming difficult times, but also admitted that their confidence has been shaken.
In January, the Phantoms went 4-2-2. They started off badly, but they turned it around in December and went on a nine-game point streak (7-2-2). The Phantoms are second-to last in their division while the Flyers are currently the last. They are just one point behind fifth place.
Despite their low standings, the turnaround of the Phantoms season has made the locker room feel lighter and filled with hope. They are cheering on Pat Nagle as he competes at the Olympics. Ian Laperrire, Phantoms coach, said that although losing him is difficult (they’ve gone 2-3 since January), Nagle’s participation for Team USA was an exciting and positive thing for the team.
Fletcher stated, “I think we had very few regulation loss as December progressed, were playing hard, and were playing the right path.” It is a great learning and winning environment, which I believe is very helpful for the kids on that squad.