The Rookie Series between the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers came and went. The two quick games in Allentown flew by, and the free sample of hockey in September has everyone craving more in October and the months to come.
It’s hard to read too much into the games. This isn’t even preseason, it’s the pre-preseason. Some rookies didn’t play, and some spent minimal time on the ice, not because of their lack of talent but because of the teams looking to protect them from any injuries.
There were still plenty of promising prospects who suited up for this game. For the Flyers, particularly, a team that’s rebuilding, it showed how many rookies can potentially make it to the NHL roster even as early as this season. Even the Rangers saw a handful of skaters put on a great display to make their cases for the NHL, making the weekend an important one even if the wins and losses don’t count in the standings.
So, let’s look at the prospects who stood out and what type of role they can have on the NHL team this season if everything works out.
Noah Laba: Third-Line Center
Noah Laba impressed late last season with the Hartford Wolf Pack, playing his first game with the team in March and putting up five points in 11 games. The 2022 fourth-round pick is starting to find his footing at the pro level, and it showed in the Rookie Series as he centered the top line and created plenty of scoring chances.
Laba is probably a season or two away from the NHL. That said, the third-line center spot could be his for the taking, especially if the Rangers play Mika Zibanejad on the wing. A strong camp can see him climb up the depth chart and make his way into that role to become a key facilitator in the bottom six.
Brennan Othmann: Third-Line Wing
Brennan Othmann’s been one of the top prospects in the Rangers system for years. At this point, he’s a dominant AHL player, and his eyes are on the NHL. His skill is unquestioned but Othmann gets pushed around at the NHL level, and he gets flustered when it happens.
The good thing about Othmann is that he spends time on both the right and left wings. He’s naturally a left-wing skater but can play the other side on the NHL roster, and it gives the Rangers the option to play him on the same line as Brett Berard, another winger who was a rookie last season and has great chemistry with Othmann.
Scott Morrow: Second-Pair Defense
If there was any Ranger who impressed and stood out in the Rookie Series, it was Scott Morrow. The 22-year-old defenseman was part of the K’Andre Miller trade this offseason, and in his first game action of the fall, he emerged as the playmaker at the point. In two games, Morrow scored a goal and recorded five points while also limiting the shooting lanes for the Flyers.
The Rangers need another defenseman to help out Adam Fox. They need a second-pair skater who can add depth to the unit and play well on both ends. Morrow looks like that player, and it’s hard to see him spending next season anywhere but in the NHL.
Dylan Roobroeck: Fourth-Line Center
Dylan Roobroeck is the wild card in the Rangers system. He quietly put together a 20-goal season for the Wolf Pack, and despite not looking like a skilled player in the offensive zone, he has a nose for the goal. It showed against the Flyers as Roobroeck applied pressure and led his line throughout the series, scoring a goal in the first game and adding an assist in the second.
At 222 pounds, Roobroeck is typically one of the bigger skaters on the ice. It’s why he can be a great fourth-line option for the Rangers. With Matt Rempe on his wing, they can have a physical, hard-hitting presence with a scoring touch thanks to Roobroeck.
Denver Barkey: Third-Line Left Wing
If there was any player who made a big impression this weekend, it was Denver Barkey. He played on the left wing, and despite being a smaller skater, he played above his weight and won puck battles while being in the right position. “It’s been the story of my life,” Barkey stated after the first game. He added, “Ever since I was a young age, I had to be a heads-up player.” His goal in the first game was a credit to his ability to see the play unfold, find the open ice, and an open shot off of a centering pass.
The goal was so good that the Flyers gave him the second night off. It’s possible they saw enough from the winger and want him ready for future practices and the opening night. Barkey has been a fighter throughout his career as a smaller skater who must win a physical game, and now, he’s fighting for that left-wing spot on the NHL roster.
Alex Bump: Middle-Six Wing
The irony with Bump and Barkey is that they play a similar style and are battling for the same spot in the lineup. Bump showed flashes with his skating and play along the boards. That said, he wasn’t the standout winger in this series, failing to find the back of the net or generate much offense.
Bump is still the top winger in the system, and it’s why the role is still his to lose. He’s the shooter who can make the most of the open looks, and it’s why he’ll be the player to watch in training camp, as he can make the opening night roster.
Nikita Grebenkin: Bottom-Six Wing
You might be noticing a theme with the Flyers prospects. They have a lot of forwards and specifically, a lot of wingers in the system, and only so many of them can make the roster. Nikita Grebenkin isn’t like the rest of the prospects. “He’s a playmaker, so it’s always fun for me as a shooter to play with a guy like that,” Alexis Gendron, who scored off a Grebenkin assist, noted after the second game.
Grebenkin is a more physical presence on the ice, and despite his size, he controls the puck well and operates well in space. He scored the overtime-winning goal in the first game and dished out two assists in the second game, with his puck-control and puck-handling standing out. He’s still learning the North American game and is a year or two away from making a significant impact. However, there’s a chance he carves out a role on the fourth line since he can play that power forward role if needed.
Ethan Samson: Third-Pair Defense
This is a make-or-break year for Ethan Samson. The 22-year-old defenseman must prove that he can make the NHL roster, or the Flyers, who are looking to upgrade at the position, might look to trade him or find another skater who can round out the unit.
The theme of the weekend, at least the one for the defense, was which defenseman would step up as a puck-handler who can move the puck up the ice and set up the offense. None did. Samson, however, made a mark in the offensive zone with a goal in the second game and proved he can add a spark at the point with his shot.
Tucker Robertson: Fourth-Line Right Wing
That goal that Barkey scored was made possible by a centering pass from Tucker Robertson. He flew under the radar heading into the weekend but left with one of the more impressive showings.
Robertson was part of a minor trade a few weeks back as the Flyers acquired him from the Seattle Kraken. He’s also most likely going to be a valuable part of the AHL roster but not the NHL roster. But don’t sleep on him!
Carson Bjarnason: Backup or Tandem Goaltender
It seems odd to have Carson Bjarnason on this list. He allowed six goals on 41 shots in a game and a half against the Rangers. He allowed two goals on the first four shots he faced. By all means, this wasn’t an impressive weekend for Bjarnason.
That said, he’s just starting to warm up and get ready for the AHL season. He’s also one of the goaltenders to keep in mind, considering the woes the Flyers have had with the position and the Ivan Fedotov trade that took place on Sunday. There’s a chance he not only improves in the AHL but makes his way to the Flyers, especially if the unit continues to struggle.
What About Bonk, Luchanko & Other Top Prospects?
Jett Luchanko is the center the Flyers have high hopes for. He can create scoring chances and lead a top-six line. He didn’t play at all in the series as he’s dealing with an injury. The Flyers want to take a cautious approach with him and make sure he’s ready for the season, especially since there’s a good chance he’s on the NHL team.
The same is true about Oliver Bonk on the defense. He’s a primary puck-mover and can be on the team this season but was held out. The Flyers might be playing it safe with Bonk but he’s one of the defenseman who needs the ice time, someone who must prove he can add a two-way presence to the NHL roster.
There are also a handful of prospects who aren’t rookies or are in college and couldn’t join the event. Dylan Garand, a top goaltender in the Rangers system, comes to mind, and so does Porter Martone, the Flyers top selection in the 2025 draft. But, the rules are the rules, and these players will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills in the future.
