Morgan Frost played only one preseason game last year before being sent back to his junior club the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
This year, the playmaking prospect was looking forward to a real shot to showcase himself for a bid at the Flyers' roster. Turns out, he played only one more game than he did the previous preseason. Frost has a groin strain and will be out five to seven days. He missed the team's first two preseason games dealing with the groin issue.
"Definitely wanted to play, but at the same time, I want to stay healthy, that's definitely important," Frost said after missing the opening two games. "Make sure I'm 100 percent when I go into a game so I can show my best and prove that I can make the team."
The Flyers play exhibition games Monday and Thursday night before flying out to Switzerland Friday ahead of their final preseason contest next Monday.
With that, Frost's preseason is more than likely over.
The 20-year-old didn't look out of place during training camp and two exhibition games. He was challenged on Day 2 and showed some nice things in game action. He exhibited his skill and improved strength on the puck, along with a good forecheck.
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However, he was held off the score sheet. Turning pro this season and with an injury to Nolan Patrick, Frost was vying for a job in the Flyers' bottom six. At this point, though, it would be surprising to see him make the big club's roster. Production would have forced the hand of the front office and coaching staff, but Frost was limited to two games and couldn't generate points in his short audition.
The Flyers have plenty of candidates still pushing for the vacancies at forward, including German Rubtsov, Carsen Twarynski, Joel Farabee, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Andy Andreoff, Chris Stewart and Mikhail Vorobyev.
It's a tough blow for Frost, but his health is most important. It's not like the Flyers don't know what Frost can do. It's very possible, though, Frost and Farabee will open the 2019-20 season with AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley.
Farabee, who is scoreless through three games, shouldn't be counted out. He might get one more game Thursday at Madison Square Garden. An impressive performance from the 19-year-old winger will make the decision harder. His game can play up and down the lineup, so if he's not scoring, it's not a deal-breaker.
"I don't think we're at that decision-making point," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said Saturday. "We still have a few games before we leave for Europe. But those two young men, you can tell there's a tremendous amount of potential and upside, smarts to their game. We have a lot to work with there. It's just a matter of doing what's right for the team and that's what we're going to do here when we make the final decisions."
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