We all know about the Flyers’ big name prospects. We know about the plethora of young talent the Flyers have on the blueline in Travis Sanheim, Philippe Myers, Robert Hagg, and Sam Morin. In goal, we know that either Carter Hart and Felix Sandstrom will likely be the future for the Flyers, and their development will be closely monitored as they get closer to making their NHL debut a few years down the road. We know about talented forwards German Rubstov, Oskar Lindblom, and Isaac Ratcliffe that give the Flyers options up front. But what about the lesser-known prospects – the guys that are overlooked because of all the talent the Flyers have in their possession? Let’s check in on how they’re progressing.

Pascal Laberge

Age: 19 (4/9/1998)

Position: Right Wing/Center

Measurables: 6’1″, 174 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2016 – Second Round (36th Overall)

2016-17 Team: Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

2017-18 Team: Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)

After taking a monstrous hit from Zachary Malatesta last October that left the 19-year-old concussed, Laberge labored to find his game again after returning full-time in early December. Laberge – who had recorded four points in the first seven games – was looking to match the impressive 68-point campaign that he had in 2015-16. After missing almost seven weeks, the 6’1″ forward returned for two games in late November, notched an assist, and was again held out with concussion-like symptoms for the next three games.

When the symptoms subsided, the Chateauguay, Quebec native returned for good on December 8th, tallying two assists in his return. Laberge would finish out his third regular season with Victoriaville with 27 points in the last 36 games bringing his season total to 32 points – 12 goals and 20 assists – in 46 games. Laberge ended last season with two goals in the Tigres’ first-round exit to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

While he did take a step back for the first time in his young career, the Flyers should not worry about Laberge’s resilience; he fought through a rough family situation earlier in his career, while continuing to perform at a high level on the ice. Laberge will get the opportunity to show his resiliency next season, when he will likely return to Victoriaville for his last year of junior eligibility.

Scouting Report by Future Considerations: “Laberge is an intelligent player who skates with a purpose. He analyzes the ice and where he would be best suited to go to be most effective in each situation. He is a very quick skater who is light on his feet. His short bursts allow him to gain the speed needed to be impactful all over the ice. He has good vision and makes quick passes on tape from various ranges and angles. With soft, quick hands, Laberge’s puck skills are very good; he can beat players one-on-one and make goalies look like peewee stoppers. His shot is quick and known by QMJHL goaltenders. He can also really wire it to spots he wants with a deceptive release point. He is an underrated playmaker as he waits for his teammates to make moves before hitting them with accurate passes. He creates a lot of quality scoring chances and has a bit of an edge as he is fearless in the greasy areas. Laberge provides good support for teammates in his own zone for quick breakouts; he does the same in the offensive zone for good scoring chances. He likes to throw his body around and play physically, winning his share of board battles. He dealt with some personal tragedy over the past few months that caused some understandable inconsistency in his on-ice play earlier this season. However, a switch went off during the second half Laberge brought a strong, determined effort to the rink. It is hard not to pull for a kid like this who has dealt with loss and continues to fight. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time away from the puck, and he has the offensive instincts that will make him a threat as he gets bigger, faster and stronger.”

Cooper Marody

Age: 20 (12/20/1996)

Position: Center

Measurables: 6’0″, 179 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2015 – Sixth Round (158th Overall)

2016-17 Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)

2017-18 Team: University of Michigan (NCAA)

Another Flyers prospect who went through rough times last season, former fifth-round draft pick Cooper Marody was deemed academically ineligible for the first half of his sophomore season at the University of Michigan. However, his academic struggles stemmed from his battle with mononucleosis, which he came down with in January 2016. Marody finally returned to Michigan’s lineup late last December and, while he could not help turn around Michigan’s down season, he did notch 15 points in 18 games. Marody’s 15 points finished sixth on the team, just six points back of the team lead, despite him only playing half of the season.

Next season, Marody – now an upperclassman – will look to take the next step and help Michigan regain its 2015-16 form, which saw them boast one of the country’s best offenses, as well as the top power play, where Marody played a key role.

Scouting Report by Dobber Prospects: “When you consider Cooper Marody’s point production prior to his freshman season at Michigan you may not have expected him to come out as strong as he did. Marody isn’t a player who generates a ton of opportunities on his own, however, he compliments skilled playmakers well as he has a knack for banging home pucks in the home-plate area. Marody’s shooting ability is one of his stronger assets as he’s able to score from a distance, as well as getting his stick on bouncing pucks and eventually popping one in. He’s an intelligent player who doesn’t rely on physicality to gain puck possession, rather he maintains strong stick and body positioning in order to force turnovers. If there’s one thing Marody could do offensively to boost his offensive totals it would be improving upon his cycle play and being a more cerebral player in the sense that he often solely looks for loose change in front of the net rather than supporting his line mates and moving into better position. Long-term Marody looks like he could very well be that third liner, similar to Matt Read who’s capable of posting around 35 points while bringing a much-needed energy to the ice.”

Anthony Salinitri

Age: 19 (3/5/1998)

Position: Center

Measurables: 5’11”, 170 lbs Shoots: Left

Drafted: 2016 – Sixth Round (172nd Overall)

2016-17 Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)

2017-18 Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)

Drafted by the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds in the first round of the OHL Priority Selection in 2014, Salinitri played in just 21 games before the Greyhounds sent him to the Sarnia Sting as part of the Anthony DeAngelo trade. Finishing the season with Sarnia, Salintri tallied 12 points in 29 games.

The then 17-year-old Salinitri would move from wing to center when Travis Konecny – who played in Ontario’s Alliance Hockey Minor Midget League with Salintri a few years before – was traded to the Sarnia Sting during the 2015-16 season. Salinitri went on to notch 30 points.

Salinitri and Konecny’s relationship spans all the way back to 2013, when both played in the Alliance Hockey Minor Midget League; Salinitri played on his hometown Windsor team and Konecny starred with Elgin-Middlesex’s club.

Last season, the former sixth-round draft pick nearly doubled his 30 points in 2015, recording 58 points – 28 goals and 30 assists – in 66 games. Aided by a blazing-hot start that saw the 5’11” forward tally 17 points in the first 13 games of the season, and a strong finish, where he recorded 16 points in the final 15 games, the undersized, now 19-year-old Salinitri finished third on the team in points.

Scouting Report by Dobber Prospects: “The Sarnia Sting have an innate ability to produce high-level NHL prospects, and Anthony Salinitri is no exception. Salinitri is a crafty forward, however by no means should he be labeled a pure offensive talent, as he plays a reliable two-way game, not really excelling in one area over another.”

Carsen Twarynski

Age: 19 (11/24/1997)

Position: Left Wing

Measurables: 6’2″, 201 lbs Shoots: Left

Drafted: 2016 – Third Round (82nd Overall)

2016-17 Team: Calgary Hitmen/Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

2017-18 Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Twarynski was drafted by the Flyers in the third round in 2016, and has grown into a solid two-way player, putting up respectable numbers offensively, while remaining reliable on defense. The big-bodied forward played two-and-a-half seasons with the Calgary Hitmen (where he was a teammate of Flyers’ prospects Travis Sanheim and Radel Fazleev), registering 88 points – 36 goals, 58 assists – in 161 games before being traded to the Kelowna Rockets last January.

After joining the Rockets, the Calgary native went on to tally 21 points in 25 games with his new team, adding five more in 16 playoff games, as Kelowna reached the Conference Finals before losing to the WHL champion Seattle Thunderbirds.

Scouting Report by Dobber Prospects: At 6’2, 201 pounds, Carsen Twarynski fits the “Philadelphia mold” nearly perfectly. Carsen used his size and intensity to dominate opponents down low this past season and inevitably climbed up the draft rankings after proving himself to be a physical force capable of providing offense for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen and now the Kelowna Rockets. Though Carsen plays a physical, intimidating style, his 200-foot game is what makes him one of the most important players on the Rockets roster. Carsen’s ability to defend passing lanes and willingness to block shots makes him an obvious choice to play in key defensive situations. At the NHL level, Carsen is a 3rd/4th liner who will likely be capable of 20-30 points per season. Skating is one area of Carsen’s game that will need to see improvement before he reaches the next level, however, with another WHL season he should really be able to round out his game.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Age: 21 (5/10/1996)

Position: Right Wing

Measurables: 5’11”, 187 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2014 – Second Round (48th Overall)

2016-17 Team: Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

2017-18 Team: Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

In 2012-13, Aube-Kubel joined the QMJHL’s Val-d’Or Foreurs as a 16-year-old. His first junior season saw him finish with 27 points – 10 goals and 17 assists – as well as a goal in ten playoff games. That same year, the Quebec native represented Quebec, Canada in the 2013 U17 World Hockey Challenge, where he led the team in points, registering 8 in six games.

Over his next three seasons with the Foreurs, Aube-Kubel improved each season. His second season in 2013-14 saw him nearly double his rookie season total of 27 with 53 points, as well as a solid 15-point playoff performance that helped the Foreurs win the Memorial Cup. Following his solid sophomore campaign, the Flyers selected him with the 48th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. His third season saw Aube-Kubel be named an alternate captain and finish third on Val-d’Or with 80 points – 38 goals, 42 assists. In 2015-16, the 5’11” forward had his best season in the QMJHL with 84 points – 38 goals, 84 assists – in 61 games. After his tremendous season in the QMJHL, Aube-Kubel earned him a call-up to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in April 2016, where he scored twice and added an assist in six games with the Phantoms.

However, Aube-Kubel struggled in his first full season in the AHL; the now 21-year-old seemed to have a hard time adjusting in the pros, finishing with just 18 points in 71 games with Lehigh Valley.

Scouting Report by Hockey’s Future: “With great wheels and a motor that doesn’t quit, Aube-Kubel’s hardworking and high-energy style of play makes him a versatile addition to any lineup. Whether it is driving the net to create scoring chances or back-checking to prevent them, Aube-Kubel fits the blueprint of a player who can slot into many roles and situations at the next level. With his offensive talents still blossoming, it is hard to say what sort of player he will finally develop into, but he is sure to be the type of player that coaches love. Long-term he projects as a two-way second or third line winger who fits the traditional mold of a Flyers’ forward.”

Mikhail Vorobyov

Age: 20 (1/5/1997)

Position: Center

Measurables: 6’2″, 207 lbs Shoots: Left

Drafted: 2015 – Fourth Round (104th Overall)

2016-17 Team: Salavet Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

2017-18 Team: Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

At just 20 years of age playing in the KHL – which is considered the second-best league in the world – Vorobyov struggled. Playing 44 games with Salavet Yulaev Ufa, Vorobyov finished with 11 points – 3 goals and 8 assists. However, the disappointing season is not quite as disappointing when Vorobyov’s extreme youth in such a competitive league is considered.

While he didn’t blow anyone away in his first season in the KHL, Vorobyov was a standout for Team Russia at the IIHF World Junior Championships, helping them to a bronze medal. In seven tournament games, the Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russia native finished with at least one point in six of those games, tallying 10 assists – which led all participants – while playing with top Minnesota Wild prospect Kirill Kaprizov.

Next season, it is almost guaranteed that Vorobyov will play with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after signing his entry-league contract (ELC) with the Flyers this past spring. Lehigh Valley should have an opening after the departure of Andy Miele to Sweden, but he will have competition in Connor Bunnaman, who also signed his ELC this past spring.

Scouting Report from Sons of Penn: “His large frame won board battles, his defensive prowess allowed his diminutive countryman freedom of expression and his great vision meant pucks gravitated towards Kaprizov’s dangerous stick with abandon. In other words, he did everything you expect from a quality young center. The results was that he set his nations record for assists in tournament history with ten.”….” If you want a current NHL comparable there is one sitting right in front of you on the Flyers in Sean Couturier. Vorobyov plays a heavier game, and seems more settled running a power play, while Couturier is more inclined to get to the net-front and shoot the puck. But despite these differences they are not a million miles apart stylistically. Both are big, two-way, “facilitators” who excel on the cycle; they make everyone around them better, make positive plays every shift that go unnoticed until you review the tape.”

Wade Allison

Age: 19 (10/14/1997)

Position: Right Wing

Measurables: 6’2″, 205 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2016 – Second Round (52nd Overall)

2016-17 Team: Western Michigan University (NCAA)

2017-18 Team: Western Michigan University (NCAA)

A 2016 draft pick, Allison was considered a mid-to-late round draft pick but saw his stock rise all the way to the second round after a 25-goal regular season and a 16-point playoff performance for the USHL’s Tri-City Storm in 2015-16. The 6’2″, 205 lb Manitoba native became one of the few big-bodied Flyers’ prospects in a farm system composed of smaller, more skill-based players.

After being selected by the Flyers, Allison left the USHL and decided to take the college route to the pros, committing to Western Michigan University. In his rookie season with the Broncos, Allison got off to a hot start in Kalamazoo; in his first 10 games, the 19-year-old tallied 7 points – 3 goals and 4 assists. His great start paved the way for him to register 29 points in 36 games, which was good enough for the fourth-highest point total on the team.

Next season, Allison will play his sophomore season with Western Michigan. The Broncos will return four of their five top scorers, including Blackhawks prospect Matheson Iacopelli and Allison’s linemate Colt Conrad.

Scouting Report by SB Nation College Hockey: “Allison is listed at 6-2 205 lbs. by Western Michigan, which looked more or less accurate. The weight is maybe a little inflated because while there’s no doubt he’s a strong, tough kid, he could still have a little room to mature physically.

The biggest thing that stood to me about Allison was his motor. Lots of players have his size and strength, but what really separates him from other players is his ability to use a second-effort to stay on the puck and make plays. It’s subtle, but his ability to come back and win a puck along the boards, even if it looks like the other player is in better position, and his ability to continue to pressure the puck and force turnovers even if the player he’s attacking makes a move to gain position on him.

Part of that is that I think Allison’s feet are light for a player his size. I don’t think most people would say he’s a great skater; he doesn’t look like he’s flying when he skates down the ice. But I was really impressed with his first step—something I’ve criticized in the past—and his ability to get his feet moving. One of the breakouts that Western Michigan likes to use is to have a defenseman pass the puck to Allison at the right half boards, and rather than immediately passing the puck up the ice, Allison gets his feet moving really well and cuts back toward his own goal and across the ice to avoid any forecheck pressure and break the puck out.

Linus Högberg

Age: 18 (9/4/1998)

Position: Defense

Measurables: 6’1″, 183 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2016 – Fifth Round (139th Overall)

2016-17 Team: Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)/Vaxjo Lakers (Super Elit J20)

2017-18 Team: Vaxjo Lakers HC (SHL)

While the 18-year-old had a tough time playing in the SHL – which is the top league in Sweden – he did have success playing among players his age in the SuperElit U20 league where he tallied 9 points – 1 goal and 8 assists – in 11 games.

While his numbers in the tough SHL are lackluster, the Stockholm native put forth a nice showing in the World Junior’s Summer Showcase where, in 4 games, he put up 3 points – 1 goal and 2 assists. His strong performance gives him a very good chance at making Team Sweden’s World Junior Championship squad this fall.

This fall, in addition to most likely representing Sweden in the WJC, Hogberg will probably start out with Vaxjo in the SHL, where he played 35 games last year, but could be relegated to the Lakers’ U20 squad if he struggles.

Scouting Report by Dobber Prospects: “Linus Hogberg is coming off a fairly impressive year statistically after recording 25 points in 39 games in his second season with Vaxjo. The 6’1 blue liner plays far from a physical style, playing a headier game and proving to be a more offensive minded defender. Hogberg skates quite well, is able to evade attackers then jump up to make a quick tape to tape pass. His style of play may not translate to the NHL immediately, meaning he will likely need a couple seasons in the AHL before the Flyers would consider NHL time; I would expect him to spend at least the next two seasons in Sweden. If Hogberg is to become a regular NHL’er, he’s likely in the Kris Russell category given his lack of physical play and superior passing abilities.”

Mark Friedman

Age: 21 (12/25/1995)

Position: Defense

Measurables: 5’11”, 185 lbs Shoots: Right

Drafted: 2014 – Third Round (86th Overall)

2016-17 Team: Bowling Green State University (NCAA)/Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

2017-18 Team: Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)

Signing an entry-league contract (ELC) with the Flyers after his junior season at Bowling Green, the 2014 third-round pick will forgo his senior season and slide into the Phantoms’ lineup, where there will be spots open, assuming some combination of Samuel Morin, Travis Sanheim, and Robert Hagg make the Flyers out of training camp.

Friedman leaves Bowling Green State University after three incredibly successful seasons with the Falcons that saw him excel in all assets of his game as the team’s top defenseman. Beginning his college career in 2014-15, the Ontario native has tallied 68 points in 121 games, with his best season coming last year, when he finished with 26 points – 8 goals and 18 assists. Friedman also played a key role on BGSU’s powerplay; he led the team in points on the powerplay with 13 – 4 goals and 9 assists.

After signing his ELC last spring, Friedman appeared in one game with the Phantoms against the Binghamton Senators, where he picked up an assist on a goal by Taylor Leier.

Scouting Report by Hockey’s Future: “Friedman is an offensive defenseman with room to improve in his own end. After spending an extra year in the USHL, Friedman earned a spot on the WCHA All-Rookie Team and was named Bowling Green’s Co-Rookie of the Year in 2014-15. He built on that success in his second season and continues to hone his overall game with the Falcons. He is an intriguing prospect in an organization suddenly deep in young defensemen.”

Matej Tomek

Age: 20 (5/24/1997)

Position: Goaltender

Measurables: 6’3″, 183 lbs Catches: Left

Drafted: 2015 – Third Round (90th Overall)

2016-17 Team: University of North Dakota (NCAA)

2017-18 Team: Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL)

Matej Tomek hasn’t seen much game action over the past two seasons in North Dakota. In fact, the 6’3″, 183 lb goalkeeper played in just two games over his two-year stint with the Fighting Hawks. The lack of playing time for the big-bodied goaltender can be attributed to two things. In the summer of 2015, Tomek underwent surgery on his groin, which wiped away much of his freshman year. Last season – Tomek’s sophomore year – there was a logjam of four goalies on North Dakota’s roster, leaving little playing time for Tomek.

Last year, the 20-year-old netminder also appeared in two games for Team Slovakia’s under-20 squad in the World Juniors Championship, where he posted a 3.50 Goals Against Average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage.

Unhappy with his situation with North Dakota, Tomek decided to return to juniors for the second time in his career. Before playing for North Dakota, the 2015 third-round pick played for the Topeka Roadrunners in the NAHL (North American Hockey League) which is the junior league directly below the USHL. With Topeka, Tomek started 33 games, while posting a stingy 1.83 GAA and an impressive .928 save percentage. Following his stellar season, Tomek was drafted by the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks in the second round of the USHL Phase II Draft.

Next year, Tomek, who has one year of junior eligibility left, will likely be Waterloo’s top goalkeeper, a title the Slovakian goaltender hasn’t had since the 2014-15 season. After this upcoming season, Tomek can either sign an entry-league contract with the Flyers or return to the NCAA.

Scouting Report by SB Nation College Hockey: “He’s listed at 6-3 180 lbs (given the eyeball test, I’d say that’s fairly close to accurate; he’s maybe a little skinnier than that) , so he’s got outstanding size for a pro goalie prospect. As far as playing style, Tomek is a straight butterfly-style goalie. You can tell from his stance in the above picture, as well as this one, he uses extra long leg pads, with the left pad crossing over the right at the top, which allows him to take away space in his five hole when he goes down into his butterfly. He stands with a strong, wide base and is very quick to get down into his butterfly, making it nearly impossible to beat him low. His body always seemed very balanced and under control, allowing him to use all his size to his advantage when he’s down in his butterfly. He’s very meticulous and precise in all of his movements, without looking too stiff and mechanical.

It’s hard to say too much negative about a goalie that doesn’t allow any goals, but if anything, he sometimes dropped his glove a little, leaving some extra open space in the upper corner of the net. He didn’t need to handle the puck much, but the one time that he did, he stopped a dump-in behind his net and made a pass under minimal duress.”

Dean is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan (note the Carson Wentz photoshop) and an aspiring sportswriter. He is a student at Millersville University where he is studying sports journalism. The primary way of contacting Dean is at this email: dsnock@gnghockey.com.