Flyers Start Season Without Promising Young Player
In an unexpected decision by head coach Rick Tocchet, the Philadelphia Flyers are set to start their season without one of their promising young players. Reports from Charlie O’Connor of PHLY indicate that 22-year-old Nikita Grebenkin has not participated in the line rushes during practice in the days leading up to the opening game. As a result, he will likely miss his anticipated debut against the Florida Panthers on Thursday night in Sunrise.
Lineup Adjustments
In Grebenkin’s absence, the Flyers plan to stick with the fourth line featuring Rodrigo Abols and Garnet Hathaway, with either Nick Deslauriers or Jett Luchanko filling in. The team’s forward lines will largely stay consistent from their last preseason match against the New Jersey Devils, with Christian Dvorak joining Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov, while Owen Tippett continues alongside Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny.
Grebenkin’s Performance and Future
Despite Grebenkin demonstrating significant skill and playing various roles throughout the preseason — often alongside notable players like Zegras and Michkov — he has seen little action on the power play. This is particularly puzzling given his capability around the net, especially since he has performed impressively among the Flyers’ forwards this preseason. Standing 6-feet-2 and weighing 205 pounds, he brings a solid presence on the ice that would have benefited the Flyers against the reigning champions.
Tocchet has mentioned that he aims to incorporate Grebenkin back into the lineup soon, possibly as early as Saturday’s game. This continues a concerning trend as the Flyers face decisions about Luchanko and Grebenkin, both of whom need to play regularly at the NHL level or risk heading back to junior leagues, despite Grebenkin’s strong showing.
Defensive Reinforcements and Fan Frustration
In addition to the lineup decisions concerning forwards, the Flyers are reportedly looking to enhance their defense via trades, acknowledging the urgent need for reinforcements as the season unfolds. This comes amid a backdrop of mounting frustration among devoted Flyers fans, who are eager for substantial improvements in their team’s performance.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, Tocchet’s choices will be under scrutiny. The upcoming game against the Panthers is pivotal for him to establish trust and sort out the team’s direction, especially after a previous season that left fans disheartened. The decisions made now could either lay a foundation for a promising season or deepen the unrest within the fanbase.
