With Philadelphia Flyers Sam Morin headed for knee surgery, a spot has opened up on the Flyers defense. A spot that will be up for grabs in training camp.
On Tuesday, the Flyers announced Sam Morin injured his knee during a workout last week. The injury required minor surgery & Morin will miss 6-8 weeks.
When Sam Morin returns, the Flyers will more than likely use a two-week rehab assignment to get Morin back into game shape. Due to not being waiver exempt, the Flyers can’t send Morin to the Phantoms.
Realistically, if Morin misses the minimum, that 6-8 weeks will turn into at least 8-10 weeks. Which will be at least November for his return.
In his place, the Flyers have many options to replace him.
While Cam York is the easiest name to throw into the hat, there are other options. Options that fit better for what the Flyers are looking for to replace Sam Morin.
Sam Morin wasn’t going to be an every night player. Morin’s role this season was more seen as the 7th defenseman. A guy who could give the Flyers some much needed grit on nights against more physical opponents.
That role does not fit Cam York’s style.
If Cam York was to make the Flyers out of training camp, it would be as an every night starter. Not as a replacement for Sam Morin.
Therefore, who are the other options for the Flyers?
Due to the Flyers limited cap, a signing of a veteran defenseman isn’t likely. However, the Flyers do have two veteran options they signed this offseason for organizational depth.
Nick Seeler and Adam Clendening were signed this offseason to provide depth at the Phantoms this season. Now, the two are the leading candidates for the Flyers 7th defenseman role to start the season.
Seeler, 6’2″ 201lb LHD, is a former draft pick of GM Chuck Fletcher in Minnesota in 2011. Entering his 6th year as a pro, Seeler has played in 112-career AHL games & 105-career NHL games.
Clendening, 6’0″ 194lb RHD, is a former 2nd round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011. Entering his 10th season as a pro, Clendening has played in 370-career AHL games & 90-career NHL games.
After Nick Seeler and Adam Clendening, the Flyers options get younger & more inexperienced at the pro level. All of which are Flyers draft picks or signings.
Linus Hogberg, Mason Millman, Wyatte Wylie, and Egor Zamula would be the next options for the Flyers.
Hogberg, 6’1″ 194lb LHD, was taken 139th overall in 2016 by the Flyers. As a rookie in the AHL last season, Hogberg played in 26-games. Hogberg also brings 5-years experience in the SHL with him. Playing in 181-games in Sweden’s top league.
Millman, 6’1″ 174lb LHD, was taken 103rd overall in 2019 by the Flyers. As a rookie in the AHL last season, Millman played in 13-games.
Wylie, 6’1″ 185lb RHD, was taken 127th overall in 2018 by the Flyers. As a rookie in the AHL last season, Wylie played in 21-games. Wylie is good friends with Flyers goalie Carter Hart as the two were teammates in Everett.
Zamula, 6’5″ 185lb LHD, is an un-drafted free agent signing by the Flyers in 2018. As a rookie in the AHL last season, Zamula played in 25-games. As well as making his NHL debut on April 27th.
The Flyers have plenty of options to replace the injured Sam Morin. But, they will have to make a decision on what kind of player they want.
Going into camp, the three top candidates to make the opening night roster are Nick Seeler, Adam Clendening, & Linus Hogberg.
PHOTO CREDIT : Flyers PR
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