Did Travis Sanheim just play himself onto the Philadelphia Flyers opening night roster?

Did a Breakout Game Against the Rangers at MSG Earn Travis Sanheim a Philadelphia Flyers Roster Spot?

That is the million dollar question on everyone’s mind. Philadelphia Flyers fans have been clamoring for all the kids from the farm to take their rightful place on the opening day roster and with Travis Sanheim’s recent performances, it looks like it may happen.

The Difference a Week Can Make

Things can happen very quickly during training camp. Just a week ago, most Flyers fans were resigned to the fact that Robert Hagg and Sam Morin were the only two rookie defensive prospects making it through final cuts to the Philadelphia Flyers opening night roster.

This wasn’t surprising. There are only two definite spots open. Hagg and Morin are the more seasoned prospects, so it just made sense that they would be the guys to step up. The only way to push out Andrew MacDonald or Brandon Manning would be one of Travis Sanheim or Philippe Myers to have an incredible camp.

After the week Travis Sanheim just had, no one is resigned to only two defensive prospects making it. Sanheim has, in my view, forced Ron Hextall‘s hand with three preseason performances including one signature performance at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers.

The Highlights

Travis Sanheim is an offensive defenseman who spent the first part of training camp looking timid. Part of that could’ve been due to him trying to prove he could be responsible in the defensive zone. But what makes Sanheim the prospect that he is, is his aggressive style of play. Let’s go to the highlight reel to see the kind of offensive upside he can bring to the Flyers backend.

The Flyers were playing four on four with both Nolan Patrick and Sanheim on the ice. Patrick laid the puck up for Sanheim and he absolutely blasted home the slap shot. Knowing when and where to jump up into a play is Sanheim’s strong suit. His second goal illustrates that perfectly.

The goal was in the last minute of the period. The backside defender was late to pick up Sanheim jumping up into the play and he was able to put home a rebound. It wasn’t all offense either. He showed up on the other end of the ice as well.

In the second game of the home and home against the Rangers, he showed up as well. He didn’t tally another goal, but he was impressive none the less.

Next: Philadelphia Flyers: Way too early preseason fancy stats

Conclusion

Nolan Patrick, Oskar Lindblom, Robert Hagg, and Sam Morin are all more likely than not making the Flyers opening night roster. The question is: Will Ron Hextall send Andrew MacDonald down to the Phantoms? I think most people hope he will because Travis Sanheim has proven over the last week that he is ready to jump up to the big club and contribute. Sanheim and Ghost can bring an offensive spark to the second and third pairing next to more stay at home defensemen like Morin and Hagg. If MacDonald is not part of the future, then why not put the kids into the fire and let them sink or swim?