Flyers’ Chuck Fletcher and Brent Flahr Press Conference Recap

On Tuesday, September 14th, Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher and Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr addressed the media to discuss Flyers Development Camp, Rookie Camp and Training Camp.

Hear from Chuck Fletcher and Brent Flahr as they meet with the media to discuss the upcoming Rookie Camp and Training Camp. https://t.co/00cYzFxIbu

— x – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 14, 2021

Below are the highlights from the press conference:

A. Flyers fans will most likely have to wear masks during attendance for the Flyers Training Camp on September 23rd

Fletcher says his expectation for main camp is that they'll ask fans in attendance to wear masks to the facility, but that will be the main restriction.

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) September 14, 2021

B. The Flyers will be full vaccinated by the start of the season

Chuck Fletcher said Flyers will be fully vaccinated.

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 14, 2021

Chuck Fletcher says that all #Flyers players and coaches will be fully vaccinated by the start of the season. “We’re basically there now.” #FlyersTalk

— Kevin Durso (@Kevin_Durso) September 14, 2021

Chuck Fletcher said organizational response to the education of getting vaccinated has been great. He said NHL and NHLPA have been great resource on getting vaccinated.

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 14, 2021

C. Zayde Wisdom will be out until December and Tanner Laczynski could be cleared for contact by September 17th. Additional updates on Wade Allison, Elliot Desnoyers and Maxim Sushko

Answering @NHLAdamK, BF says Wisdom will be out until December. Laczynski is meeting with doctors in the 17th to be cleared.

— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) September 14, 2021

Flahr said Wisdom out until Dec, Laczynski could be cleared on Sept 17, could play vs Rangers rookies; Sushko out for Rookie Camp; Desnoyers has Sept 17 doc visit but will do drills in camp; Allison is fine.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 14, 2021

D. Chuck Fletcher says the returning veterans have looked good on the ice and highlights the maturity and conditioning of the younger players

Chuck Fletcher says all the Flyers veterans look good coming into camp. The testing next week will show if the eye test is accurate. It's a difference from last year, when they went through a strange preseason.

— Giana Han (@giana_jade) September 14, 2021

When asked about the shorter offseason, Chuck Fletcher replied "It feels like we had a longer offseason. It's been a while since we played hockey."

— Giana Han (@giana_jade) September 14, 2021

E. Short and Simple: “We have no excuses”

"We have no excuses."

– Chuck Fletcher on Flyers being ready for 2021-22 season

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 14, 2021

Fletcher: "I can't wait to see the fans on (Sept). 23rd and put some energy in the building." #Flyers

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) September 14, 2021

F. Chuck Fletcher addresses leadership, comparing this year and last year

Fletcher says that he feels this team compared to last year has more veteran leadership. Lost low-maintenance, high-character guys after 2019-20, & felt it hurt team in terms of righting the ship & dealing with tough times. Said that falls on him. But they've addressed it now.

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) September 14, 2021

Fletcher says there is much more veteran leadership on this year's team. Says last year's roster was "on me" in that he didn't adequately replace vets Niskanen and Pitlick. #Flyers

— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) September 14, 2021

G. Chuck Fletcher says “we want this to be a difficult team to make” when addressing the competition between rookies and veterans to make the opening night starting lineup.

Charlie asked if the young players in camp (Frost, Laczynski et al) will have to significantly outplay a vet to win an opening night roster spot. Chuck Fletcher said yes but it's a long season where injuries are inevitable and competition is ongoing.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 14, 2021

Asked Fletcher if young guys essentially have to dramatically outplay the bottom-of-the-lineup vets at camp to make the team. He said yes. Says given the demanding schedule, those guys will play NHL games even if they don't make the team. But it won't be easy to make it for Gm 1.

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) September 14, 2021

H. Brent Flahr specifically cites Brian Zanetti and Desnoyers as standouts from Development Camp

Brent Flahr said most of the Dev Camp players came as advertised. Said Brian was one of 2021 Draftees who showed particularly well. The games vs Rangers rookies will be next big test.

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 14, 2021

"His work ethic and determination are off the charts."

– Brent Flahr on Flyers prospect Elliot Desnoyers

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 14, 2021

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