The Philadelphia Flyers wrapped up the summer prospect camp today that began last Monday.  The group was a mix of current Phantoms, returning prospects, recent draft picks from a few weeks ago and a number of college try-outs.  I was unable to attend the camp, but wanted to touch on three of the attendees who are likely to make the jump to the Phantoms roster this season.
Mike Testwuide – Signed from Colorado College, 2010
A product of the USHL and the WCHA, Testwuide was a sought-after forward based on his play this past season at Colorado College- 21 goals in 39 games.¬† He has participated in prospect camps for other teams in the past and signed with the Flyers in March.¬† At 23, there really is nowhere else for Testwuide to play than the Phantoms, if the organization sees potential in him.¬† Testwuide isn‚Äôt known for his speed or his puck-handling abilities, but he is hard-working, works the corners, and has a big frame at 6‚Äô 3.‚Äù¬† The Flyers Director of Hockey Operations, Chris Pryor, told NHL.com, ‚ÄúAs a group we maybe thought we had Mike Knuble here‚Ķ We’re hoping Michael, maybe down the road, that’s the type of player he can be. They’re good down low in front of the net, work the wall, work the corner. We think he’s got potential to be that type of guy.”
Zac Rinaldo – Drafted 6th Round, 178th overall, 2008
Rinaldo is a forward in the vein of Steve Downie or Dan Carcillo Рhe loves to fight, racks up penalty minutes, and is a bit of a loose cannon.   When drafted, he had 191 penalty minutes in 63 games; this past season, he had 220 penalty minutes in 53 games.  He was suspended multiple times for dirty hits, including a twelve-game suspension.  He has the potential to develop into a more well rounded forward with proper coaching, but as he stands, he would serve best as either a third line energy player or a fourth line goon.  Rinaldo was a left winger when drafted, but played as a center this season for the London Knights and the Barrie Colts in the OHL. I would expect Rinaldo to make the jump due to the Flyers’ weak depth at center and the fact that they may be able to get a better grasp on his game.  This guy doesn’t need to spend more time beating up on kids.
Sergei Bobrovsky – Signed from the KHL, 2010
Bobrovsky is competing with prospect Nic Riopel for the back-up goaltending position this season, but was basically penciled in before he ever stepped foot on American soil.  The Flyers signed him in May to a three-year, two-way deal.  He played the last two seasons with the Novokuznetsk Metallurg, the KHL equivalent of the Oilers, but managed to put up above average numbers.  He is considered to be Semyon Varlamov’s biggest competitor (the Washington Capitals’ starting goaltender as of now) and was asked to play in the World Junior Championship team over Varley by the Russian coach because “I just call guys I trust.” Like current AHL starting goaltender Johan Backlund, Bobrovsky will need some time to get used to the North American style of hockey.  If the Flyers decide to keep the tandem of Leighton and Boucher, Backlund will likely get the call up in the event of injury, allowing for Bobrovsky to gain more experience.
