October 10, 2016
The major story coming into Flyers training camp was the fate of the two prized prospects, Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny. Specifically, would both of the team’s 2015 first-round picks earn the approval of the notoriously conservative Ron Hextall and make the Flyers 23-man roster out of training camp?
To the delight of many Flyers fans, the answer on both counts is yes. Hextall told reporters at Skate Zone in Voorhees on Monday afternoon that both Konecny and Provorov are here to stay (via the Courier-Post’s Dave Isaac):
Ron Hextall confirms that Travis Konecny and Ivan Provorov have both made the team with the intention of keeping them for a full season.
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) October 10, 2016
“They're not on the team because anyone felt like politically or anything else,” Hextall said. “These kids made the team on merit and our plan right now is to keep them the whole year. This isn't a nine-game tryout or a six-game tryout. Those two kids are on this team right now and at this point we expect them to be here all year. They've done a good job.”
According to those who were on hand for Flyers practice today, Konecny is playing left wing on the second line next to Sean Couturier and Jake Voracek. It remains to be seen what happens when Brayden Schenn returns from his three-game suspension, but expect that to be the combination when the team opens up on Friday in Los Angeles:
Flyers Lines today:
— Kyle (@Kyle_Phillippi) October 10, 2016
12-28-17
63-14-93
52-78-22
76-27-24
Extras: 10, 60
Provorov played the Flyers’ last two preseason games with veteran Mark Streit, who he figures to start out with unless Dave Hakstol makes some late changes with the Flyers blue line in flux to start the season.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
