Flyers Call Ups Making Impact In Playoff Push -

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The Philadelphia Flyers playoff push is fueled, in part, by the prospects. The youth movement has given them a new look and allowed them to win games while putting the rebuild, which is nearing the end stage, ahead of schedule. Even if the Flyers don’t make the playoffs, they can look back at their finish and ahead to next season knowing that a young core is in place to get them to contention.

Porter Martone has only played a handful of games with the Flyers, so he hasn’t made as big an impact as the other prospects have this season. However, the youth movement has put the Flyers in this spot, and it’s a credit to the farm system. So, let’s look at the players who were called up and have made the biggest difference this season.

Emil Andrae

Emil Andrae’s play has gone unnoticed but he’s been a key part of the Flyers defense. At the start of the season, his lack of size seemed to be held against him by Rick Tocchet. Andrae got sent down to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Now, he’s won the job over Adam Ginning and is a (semi) regular on the defense.

And Andrae quietly put together a strong season. His 3.0 defensive point shares are fourth-most on the Flyers, and he’s stepped up in his end despite playing minimal ice time. Andrae isn’t top-four building block for the future (again, due to concern over his lack of size). At absolute worst, however, he’s a reliable third pair player and depth piece. This season, he’s held down the fort enough to keep the bottom end of thedefense from being a weakness. While Nick Seeler is a perfectly serviceable No. 5, Noah Juulsen should not be more than an injury replacement player. Juulsen’s lack of speed and puck skills get exposed too easily.

Alex Bump

Flyers fans can only wonder about an alternate universe with Alex Bump. What if he won the left wing job out of camp or what if he was healthy in Allentown and didn’t miss two months with an injury? If he were on the Flyers from day one or at least earlier in the season, how much better would this team be?

Bump joined the Flyers after the trade deadline and made an impact right off the bat. He makes the most of the chances he’s given. In 13 games, Bump has eight points and has given the offense a spark. He’s the prospect who will add another layer to the offense. While he won’t carry the team as a star player, his scoring presence will allow them to come at opponents in waves with offense on the second and third lines.

Denver Barkey

Denver Barkey was the first call-up for the Flyers or the first top prospect to get the nod, to be specific. This season developed into an open competition with multiple wingers fighting for the same spot. Barkey was the one who took the job with two months of strong play in the AHL, and he never looked back.

Barkey’s stats don’t jump off the page, and his offense isn’t overwhelming per se. However, his motor and ability to make a difference everywhere do. Barkey makes his linemates better and brings out the best in everyone on the ice. It’s why he’s a core part of the rebuild, someone who is key to the future of this team’s success.

The Flyers Prospects on the Team From Day One

Nikita Grebenkin spent most of the season in the press box, for better or worse. However, when he’s played and filled in as a fourth liner, he’s stepped up and fit in as a depth forward. He has four goals and 10 assists, while his power forward frame makes him a valued part of the Flyers.

The Flyers are also getting more this season from Jamie Drysdale, who isn’t a prospect but is only 23, which is young for a defenseman. His 30 assists are second-most on the defense, and he’s given the Flyers a second option behind Travis Sanheim, who is often overworked.

Then there’s Matvei Michkov, who is integral to the team’s success. The Flyers only go as far as he can take them. He’s been a lightning rod this season with his slow start and struggles in the new system but he’s played better down the stretch and put this team in the playoff conversation.