With Sean Couturier out injured, the Philadelphia Flyers are short at the most important position, center. Could former 7th overall pick Lias Andersson be an option?
As the Flyers began training camp, they were dealt a big blow. Losing star center Sean Couturier to a back injury.
Couturier, who missed the final 56-games last season due to back surgery, re-injured his back during an off-ice workout just a week before camp started.
In his absence, the Flyers have been trying multiple options at center.
Scott Laughton, who was the obvious choice to replace Couturier, played primarily on the wing during camp. Today, in the Flyers first official practice with the final roster group, Laughton was on the wing.
Noah Cates, who was one of the best players during training camp, got a late look at center. Noah’s brother, Jackson, was also given a long look at center. Noah centered Joel Farabee & Wade Allison today.
With still no clear option at center, could they look outside the organization for help?
Enter center Lias Andersson who was waived by the LA Kings today.
Andersson, the 7th overall pick in the 2017 draft, has not lived up to his high draft selection. Struggling to find consistency earlier in his NHL.
In 109-career-games, Andersson has just 7-goals & 10-assists.
Still just 23-years-old, will turn 24 next week, Andersson could be worth a claim by the Flyers. Who have history watching Andersson in the SHL.
While with HV71 in 2020 & 2021, the Flyers were regulars at his games. Watching 2020 2nd round pick, Emil Andrae, as well as 2021 signee Linus Sandin.
With no clear option yet to replace Sean Couturier to start the season, a claim of Andersson could go a long way to shoring up the center position.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ross D. Franklin – AP
