Flyers' Crowded Camp Could Shape Phantoms Roster

Philadelphia opened training camp with 26 forwards, a crowded group that should have a direct effect on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' early-season roster.

Broad Street Hockey identified 12 forwards as likely NHL roster locks: Noel Acciari, Denver Barkey, Noah Cates, Sean Couturier, Christian Dvorak, Tyson Foerster, Nikita Grebenkin, Travis Konecny, Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, Owen Tippett and Trevor Zegras. Grebenkin is dealing with a flare-up of the upper-body injury that affected him late last season and could miss part of camp.

Several prospects are competing for the remaining jobs. Alex Bump earned NHL and playoff time late last season and stood out in the Flyers' first rookie-series game. Cole Knuble impressed during a short run with Lehigh Valley and scored in that rookie game. Jett Luchanko is returning from offseason surgery, making regular AHL minutes a possible path if he does not make Philadelphia's opening roster.

Carl Grundstrom, who played a depth role for Philadelphia after a call-up from Lehigh Valley last season, also is in the competition after signing an extension. Veteran Zach Aston-Reese joined the organization after splitting last season between the NHL and AHL in Columbus' system.

Nolan Foote and Danila Klimovich are among the new depth additions expected to compete in camp. Klimovich, 23, is entering his sixth North American professional season and has yet to make his NHL debut.

The final cuts will leave Lehigh Valley with a deeper forward group and several players capable of receiving NHL call-ups during the season.