The Philadelphia Flyers may soon find themselves needing reinforcements on the blue line—again.
With Egor Zamula going down the tunnel five minutes into the third period of last night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche, on top of the existing injuries to Cam York, Jamie Drysdale, and Emil Andrae, depth on defense is becoming a pressing issue.
Helge Grans recently earned a call-up and made a promising NHL debut, but the Flyers might need to look further into the AHL roster for additional support.
Fortunately, the Flyers’ recent history of successful call-ups offers some hope. Players like Emil Andrae and Anthony Richard have seamlessly transitioned to the NHL, reflecting the strong developmental pipeline in Lehigh Valley.
Flyers head coach John Tortorella has said that he trusts the insight of the Phantoms coaches on which players they believe are ready for NHL minutes, and will undoubtedly be keeping a close ear to their recommendations as they re-evaluate their lineup options.
Adam Ginning: The Safe, Reliable Option
Although he didn’t have the best camp this summer, Adam Ginning is perhaps the most NHL-ready option for a defensive call-up. At 6’4″ and 205 pounds, the 2018 second-round pick offers size and physicality that could complement the Flyers’ blue line. Known for his shot-blocking, penalty-killing, and strong defensive awareness, Ginning’s game is built around simplicity and reliability.
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Ginning has steadily improved his puck-handling skills since transitioning to North American hockey, making him less of a liability in high-pressure situations. While he won’t contribute much offensively, his ability to anchor the forwards would be invaluable, especially against heavier, forechecking teams.
If Tortorella prioritizes stabilizing the defense, Ginning could be the ideal candidate. His no-nonsense style aligns with the Flyers’ identity, and having some previous NHL experience with the team, Ginning would be a natural fit for the team’s current needs.
Ben Gleason: The Offensive Catalyst
For a more dynamic option, Ben Gleason is a player to watch. Signed by the Flyers from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defenseman Ronnie Attard, the 26-year-old is an intriguing new addition to the Phantoms that could be getting a look with the Flyers sooner rather than later.
Gleason’s ability to jump into the rush, quarterback a powerplay, and distribute the puck effectively…