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Title - Billy Schoeninger, Flyers Front
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Filling the Third Line Wing Position (Part 2)
By Billy Schoeninger
HometownHockey.ca

Filling the Third Line Wing Position (Part 2)
Simon Gagne: Gagne has said on multiple occasions that his preference is to remain in Philadelphia, and he has yet to sign an NHL contract for next season. Right now, the Flyers don’t have the room to fit him in because they are too close to the cap. But, there has been speculation that Gagne is intentionally not signing a contract because there is an agreement with the Flyers in place to sign once the season begins.
PHOTO CREDIT - NHL.com

Philadelphia - September 5, 2013 - In part 1 of my look at the third line wing position(insert link), we examined the games of Scott Laughton, Tye McGinn, and Michael Raffl. In part 2, we’ll have a look at some of the dark horses that could win the spot.

Petr Straka: After going unsigned by the Columbus Blue Jackets, the former second round pick enjoyed a strong overage season and playoffs in the QMJHL, and had interest from a number of NHL teams before choosing the Flyers. Straka brings a big body with offensive skills, but is not much of a physical player. At Flyers Development Camp over the summer, he impressed with his stickhandling and shooting abilities. But, Straka looks like an outside shot to make the team because his defensive play is not NHL caliber, and he could really benefit from time in the AHL to work on his play without the puck. Terry Murray, the Phantoms’ head coach, is a strong teacher of the defensive aspects of the game, which is exactly what Straka needs.

Nick Cousins: Cousins exploded offensively last year with 103 points, and if it weren’t for a late season suspension, he stood a good chance to lead the OHL in points. Cousins is a very good playmaker that brings an agitating game, and is very annoying to play against. You love him if he’s on your team, but hate him otherwise. His future in the NHL is likely at wing due to his size and skating limitations, which are his biggest weak spots. A natural center like Laughton, he would be best served to spend time in the AHL to work on his defensive play and adjust to playing on the wing where his NHL future lies. Like Straka, Cousins would learn a lot from defensive aficionado Terry Murray in the AHL.

Jason Akeson: After a breakout offensive season in 2011-2012, Akeson was signed as a free agent out of the OHL, and went on to have two impressive seasons in the AHL. A strong playmaker with good vision, Akeson has led the Phantoms in points the last two seasons. When he began his time in the AHL, he was a very one-dimensional player, but has shown a strong work ethic and a devotion to improving his play away from the puck, especially in his own defensive zone. After being passed over time and time again for a call-up to the Flyers when there was an injury, Akeson finally got into one game at the end of last season, and scored a goal while displaying good offensive instincts. Many Flyers fans have asked themselves, “What else does this guy have to do to get a shot?” He has good offensive ability and has shown a devotion to improving elsewhere. It is hard to believe Akeson will not be an NHL player someday.

Simon Gagne: Gagne has said on multiple occasions that his preference is to remain in Philadelphia, and he has yet to sign an NHL contract for next season. Right now, the Flyers don’t have the room to fit him in because they are too close to the cap. But, there has been speculation that Gagne is intentionally not signing a contract because there is an agreement with the Flyers in place to sign once the season begins. The idea is that when Chris Pronger is placed on long term injury reserve when the season begins, his large 4.92 million dollar cap hit comes off the books, and the Flyers will then have room to sign Gagne and he will join the team. There have been no confirmed reports of this, only speculation. There seems to be a mutual desire from both parties for Gagne to play the rest of his career in Philadelphia, but right now it’s up in the air.

My prediction for the player that wins the spot is Tye McGinn. Other than Gagne, he has the most NHL experience, and brings the most solid, predictable game (other than Gagne of course). The Flyers have mentioned before that they wanted to get bigger at forward. They partly addressed that problem with the addition of Lecavalier, but the inclusion of McGinn in the top 9 would make it an even bigger, more physical group. The top 9 already brings considerable skill, but would benefit from another big, physical forward.

Follow Me on TwitterBill Schoeninger is a lifetime Philadelphia Flyers fan currently in enemy territory studying at Boston University. He has a great interest in prospects and the NHL Draft in addition to the Flyers and Boston University Terriers. He is also a passionate hockey historian. If you have questions or wish to contact the Bill, you can email him at bschoeninger@ourhometown.ca








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