Flyers roster cuts: German Rubtsov loaned to Phantoms, race heats up for final spots

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The Flyers' roster must be trimmed down to a maximum of 23 players by 5 p.m. on Oct. 1.

The team on Tuesday got closer to its final product for the Oct. 4 season opener.

German Rubtsov, Mikhail Vorobyev and Mark Friedman were loaned to AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, while Andy Andreoff, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Chris Bigras and Kurtis Gabriel will be placed on waivers for the purpose of reporting to the Phantoms.

Joel Farabee, Carsen Twarynski, Connor Bunnaman and Chris Stewart remain in the hunt for the Flyers' bottom-six vacancies.

Rubtsov performed well, starting with a two-goal rookie game, but the 21-year-old center had lost steam toward the end of his audition. Rubtsov, who struggled in the faceoff circle, can play winger, as well. However, with the uncertainty surrounding Nolan Patrick's injury, the Flyers could need help not only on the wing, but also down the middle.

Vorobyev, last year's preseason darling (six points in six games), played only two exhibition games. He needs to win over a new front office and coaching staff with more well-roundedness in Lehigh Valley.

Aube-Kubel played with effort and pace in the preseason, drawing praise from head coach Alain Vigneault. The 2014 second-round pick will be a call-up option if he clears waivers.

Andreoff was too inconsistent to win a job and Gabriel played just one game because of an injury. If they're not claimed off waivers, they'll be good bottom-six insurance for the Flyers.

The Flyers obviously like Farabee. The 19-year-old hasn't put up points but he has shown plenty of ability while not looking out of place. Expect him to play Thursday at Madison Square Garden in the sixth preseason game.

Twarynski has been excellent, scoring two goals over the past two games. He plays a bottom-six style, has pro experience and could be the front-runner for a spot.

Suddenly, the Flyers may need Bunnaman, who has quietly performed throughout camp and the preseason. The 21-year-old can play center or winger and Vigneault said he was one of the team's "best conditioned athletes" in camp.

The Flyers' roster is at 27 players.

Forwards

Connor Bunnaman
Sean Couturier
Joel Farabee
Morgan Frost (injured)
Claude Giroux
Kevin Hayes
Travis Konecny
Scott Laughton
Oskar Lindblom
Nolan Patrick (injured)
Tyler Pitlick (injured)
Michael Raffl
Chris Stewart
Carsen Twarynski
James van Riemsdyk
Jakub Voracek

Defense

Justin Braun
Shayne Gostisbehere
Robert Hagg
Samuel Morin
Philippe Myers
Matt Niskanen
Ivan Provorov
Travis Sanheim
Andy Welinski (injured)

Goalies

Brian Elliott
Carter Hart

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