Yesterday the Flyers submitted their opening day roster. They did so without making any trades. “It’s tricky, but that’s all part of being a GM” said Paul Holmgren. When asked if a trade was going to help them get compliant Homer simply responded “No I don’t see that happening.” Below is the Flyers’ Roster (for now). An asterisk marks those who new to the roster.

FORWARDS (12)

#10 - Brayden Schenn

#14 - Sean Couturier

#17 - Wayne Simmonds

#19 - Scott Hartnell

#21 - Scott Laughton *

#24 - Matt Read

#25 - Max Talbot

#28 - Claude Giroux

#36 - Zac Rinaldo

#37 - Jay Rosehill

#40 - Vincent Lecavalier *

#93 - Jakub Voracek

DEFENSE (7)

#5 - Braydon Coburn

#8 - Nicklas Grossmann

#22 - Luke Schenn

#26 - Erik Gustafsson

#32 - Mark Streit *

#41 - Andrej Meszaros

#44 - Kimmo Timonen

GOALTENDERS (2)

#29 - Ray Emery *

#35 - Steve Mason *

I marked Scott Laughton because he only played a few games last season before being sent back to Juniors. According to Holmgren, they may also go that route again this year. Holmgren said it was “too soon” to fully commit to keeping Laughton for a full season. So basically he may be on a 9 game tryout.

Peter Laviolette has yet to name a starter for the opening night, although I expect it to be Ray Emery. The Flyers probably will wait several games to fully commit to naming a starter. However, both are capable of playing #1 and it is a major upgrade from last year.

Mark Streit has looked good in the Preseason and for a 35 year old, seems to have a lot left in the tank.

Hall Gill is still without a contract. Holmgren stated “He liked what he saw “in Gill. I simply don’t see the reason for another Defenseman in their late 30s to be added on their roster. I know he brings experience and leadership but if you look at this roster, there are several who are qualified leaders. Timonen, Hartnell,Giroux, Lecavalier, and Talbot.

Vinny Lecavalier is also prepared to make his Flyers debut. This is an upgrade over Briere in my opinion because he’s slightly younger and more skilled. Plus he knows what it takes to win a cup. Playing with Superstars Marin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos for several years brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

The top line which will consist of Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek has big expectations. Voracek who had a breakout year last year, is expected to only get better and Captain Claude is expected to rise above his performance last year. (Even though I think 48pts in 48 games is really good.) Since Giroux was labeled as “the best player in the world” by Coach Lavy, he’s expected to be a top 5 player in the NHL. He finished 15^th overall last year. Hartnell was very disappointed in his performance last year. He broke his foot 3 games in, missed 16 games and wasn’t in shape. He’s spent all summer training for this season. "He's in the best shape of his life. His body fat is 7 percent lower than it's ever been.” said Holmgren. Hartnell also needs to live up to the 37 goal performance he had in 2011/12

season.

Brayden Schenn is in the final year of his contract and is still looking to have a breakout year. He’s going to want to earn a contract. The Flyers are also counting that he has a great year. He’s young, he’s fast he just needs to prove he can play at the level of his potential.

The only question mark is the defense. If the Flyers can keep a healthy Meszaros and a healthy Grossman, throw in Streit and you have yourself an upgraded and powerful Defense. The issue you ask? The system. The Flyers play an offensive minded system and their Defense are “Defensive minded.” The Flyers don’t have a stable puck carrying Defenseman, nor can they (as of now), properly make clear cut passes through the defensive zone. That will all fall on coaching but not just on Lavy. The assistant coaches are responsible as well to work on their game. We’ll see how it all pans out.

The Flyers don’t just have high expectations from the front office and ownership, but from the fans as well.