VOORHEES, N.J. -- When Valtteri Filppula takes the ice for his 776th NHL game Thursday, it will be a first of sorts.
Filppula, acquired in Thursday's trade that sent Mark Streit to Tampa Bay -- and later Pittsburgh -- has never been traded in his 12-year career.
So when he takes the ice vs. Florida Thursday, he will be forced to skate in a new system and with new linemates, all with just one optional morning skate to acquaint himself with his new team.
"You'll go through video a little bit," Filppula said of learning a new system so quickly. "I've played against the [Flyers] so you kind of have an idea. Everything gets easier when you play a few games and get used to it. You can't just watch video. You have to go out there and just play."
So tonight will be a trial by fire for Filppula, who has been in the area for less than 24 hours.
"I feel like a lot of teams play a similar style to [the Flyers]," Filppula said. "I'm sure it will take a little while to get used to that. At the end of the day, every team plays fairly the same way. I'm hopeful that everything goes well."
Filppula will center Brayden Schenn on the left and Jakub Voracek on his right. Head coach Dave Hakstol, for now, likes the Finn at center.
NHL
"Well, I think he's versatile that way," Hakstol said. "I think he's, from what I've known of him as a player, from what I've studied, he's very good in the middle of the rink. He supports the middle of the ice very well, distributes the puck very well from there. But he has played a little bit back and forth on the left side. But right now I see him as a centerman."
The addition of Filppula gives the Flyers a strong two-way center, who can play both the power play and penalty kill.
"Yes," Hakstol said when asked if Filppula will play on special teams. "Whether or not we do that right away tonight, we'll see where we're at tonight. The most important thing tonight is to get him into a mix, 5-on-5. We know he has abilities on both sides of special teams. That might be a day or two down the road. We'll see how tonight goes. ... On the PK side there's a possibility he'll assume responsibilities there.''
However, Filppula, who turns 33 later this month, has seen his number decrease in the last two years with Tampa Bay. After posting a career-high 25 goals in 2013-14, Filppula hasn't exceeded 12 goals in the seasons since.
But the veteran isn't worried about a dip in production.
"I feel like I've played pretty much the same amount," Filppula said. "Especially last year was a little bit more defensive role. At the same time I still got there for power play, so no excuse there. I think when you get those chances, those opportunities you've got to produce more. Hopefully, if I get those chances I'll be able to do that."
The Flyers are hoping their attacking style of play -- compared to Tampa Bay's defensive style -- can awaken his scoring touch, something the Flyers desperately need.
"He's going to help us offensively, so it's going to fun to play with him," Voracek said.
For Filppula, his new team brings at least some familiarity. Filppula is friends with Kimmo Timonen and former-Flyer Ville Leino -- both fellow Fins –- and has spoken to each about what to expect from his new team.
"Well, he's still here, right?" Filppula said of Timonen. "That's a good indication that it's a good place. He's had nothing but positive things to say. He had a great time here and likes the guys. That's a good sign. For the quick period of time, I've had to talk to guys they've been really nice and really welcoming. It's definitely a good start."
For Radko Gudas, who played with Filppula in Tampa Bay for a year and a half, he's excited about the move for another reason.
"I'm glad to be his teammate," Gudas said. "He's not going to dangle me around anymore, so that's a big plus."
Bellemare gets the 'A'
With the loss of alternate captain Streit, the newly re-signed Pierre-Edouard Bellemare will wear the 'A.'
A bit of a surprise selection, Bellemare "embodies all of the characteristics and traits of a Flyer," Hakstol said.
With a new two-year deal and now named an alternate captain, Bellemare, 31, has had quite the week. Even better, his mom has flown over from his native France to be a part of it all.
"I'm a French guy," a choked-up Bellemare said. "I come in the league really late and I don't expect to stay that long. I'm just trying to do my way and work for the team and suddenly ... My mom is here so there is no better timing really. She doesn't know yet so, she's going to snap.
"Good for him, he deserves it," goalie Michal Neuvirth said. "He's an awesome guy, great leader in the locker room and for sure, he's the hardest working guy on the team so good for him, he deserves it. We're happy to have him here."
Rubtsov signs
The Flyers signed first-round pick German Rubtsov to an entry-level contract (see story). The 18-year-old was selected 22nd overall in last summer's NHL Entry Draft.
Schultz enters the lineup
With Brandon Manning serving the second and final game of his suspension for a hit on Pittsburgh's Jake Guentzel and Streit now with the Penguins, Nick Schultz will be thrust into the lineup for just the 17th time this season.
Projected lineup
F: Jordan Weal-Claude Giroux-Wayne Simmonds
Brayden Schenn-Valtteri Filppula-Jakub Voracek
Matt Read- Sean Couturier-Dale Weise
Chris VandeVelde-Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Roman Lyubimov
D: Ivan Provorov-Andrew MacDonald
Shayne Gostisbehere-Nick Schultz
Michael Del Zotto-Radko Gudas
G: Steve Mason