VOORHEES, N.J. — The games are about to begin.
Day 4 of Flyers rookie camp wrapped up Tuesday, setting the stage for Wednesday's prospects game at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, against the Islanders.
Let's get into our latest five observations:
1. Chill in the air
Morgan Frost will be fun to watch Wednesday night and throughout the preseason.
When the 20-year-old center has time and space, he's super dangerous. But even when he's in tight and around the net, his hands are so impressive. He's brisk, instinctual and accurate, and it will be fascinating to see how quickly those strengths translate at the pro level.
In camp, he has centered two of the Flyers' other top prospects Joel Farabee and Isaac Ratcliffe. The trio's chemistry looks natural and don't be surprised to see that line in the rookie game.
"It should be awesome," Farabee said. "Playing with some really elite guys in our group here."
Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, impressive defensively and offensively. pic.twitter.com/uqZhVhMXxy
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019
Good combo: Isaac Ratcliffe and Morgan Frost. pic.twitter.com/jOkjS8y1aI
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019
2. Don't ignore Egor
When general manager Chuck Fletcher was asked if any prospect has jumped out at him during camp, he mentioned Egor Zamula.
The 6-foot-3, 172-pound defenseman continues to turn heads with his progress.
The one guy, to me, that just keeps getting better every day is Zamula. He's an impressive young man. He has another year of junior, so he's not a candidate to make our team this year in Philadelphia. But I saw him last year play junior, watched him play in training camp with the Flyers last year and he just continues to get better and better. He has a tremendous package of size, skill and skating, and as he matures and gets stronger, he's going to be a pretty impressive player.
- Fletcher
Zamula (who said there's no Y needed in his first name) was an excellent discovery by Flyers amateur scout Mark Greig (see story). The 19-year-old went undrafted last summer, was invited to 2018 Flyers training camp and earned an entry-level contract.
He is no longer a raw prospect as he skates smoothly, covers ground and possesses great reach. The lefty shot scored 56 points over 61 regular-season games in 2018-19 with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.
"Coming in here, he looks really comfortable," AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley head coach Scott Gordon said. "Obviously it's a nice find."
3. 'The best way to evaluate players'
A rookie game is a lot different from a preseason game.
However …
"A lot of these kids are coming in, they want to make an impression and games are the best way to evaluate players," Fletcher said.
The Flyers' GM has been pleased with the showing in camp.
"It's been great for Scott to start to work with them on some of the habits and things that we want our players in Lehigh to do this year," Fletcher said.
This is a talented rookie camp considering it features seven players with a shot at winning a season-opening roster spot on the big club.
4. On the Laberge of more?
The Phantoms will be loaded with experienced and young forwards in 2019-20.
One of those forwards to keep an eye on is Pascal Laberge.
The 2016 second-round pick has battled injuries throughout his early career, but in the 15 games he did play last season with Lehigh Valley, he scored five goals.
There's some offensive potential in the 21-year-old's game.
Pascal Laberge, top shelf. pic.twitter.com/Z7ZnyJGuNr
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 10, 2019
5. The game
Gordon, who will coach the Flyers in the rookie game, said the team will dress 19 skaters and two goalies.
The Flyers will hold a morning skate from 10-11 a.m. at Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey, so we'll know more then about the lineup.
The game is at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+ (no live stream).
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