With Thompson out, expect Ryan Shannon to get back into the lineup. The hulking center scored two goals and five points prior to getting hurt.
Simmonds moves back up to the second line. In his first season with the Flyers, the power forward has scored four goals and eight points with 40 PIM through 23 games.
Thompson plays a gritty, hard-working game so he should be expected to take a few maintenance days over the course of the season. The Anchorage, Alaska native scored two goals and four points over 18 games. He holds very limited fantasy hockey value but helps the Bolts prevent goals.
Thompson could be taking a maintenance day in preparation for tomorrow's tilt against the Panthers. He has two goals and four points through 14 games.
Couturier moves back to a scoring line after getting demoted to the fourth line.
Couturier has almost nothing left to prove in the QMJHL, making him a fit on the team's third line. Look for him to at least receive his nine-game tryout.
No immediate fantasy hockey value in the AHL.
Ellis may have earned a roster spot with his play last night. The Freelton, ONT native scored 24 goals and 101 points in his final season with the Windsor Spitfires. If he stays on the team, look for him to help man the bottom pairing.
Couturier has almost nothing left to prove in the QMJHL and could make the team as a third-line winger. The injury to Brayden Schenn also helps open a roster spot for the 8th overall pick.
No immediate fantasy value in the AHL.
Following back-to-back 96 point seasons in the QMJHL, Couturier has very little to prove at the Junior level. The pivot could convert into a left wing at some point this season, if he sticks with the big club.
With Roman Josi injured, Ellis has a good chance of making the team. The former 11th overall pick scored 24 goals and a resounding 100 points last season in the OHL. He could replace Cody Franson nicely on the bottom pairing.
Following back-to-back 96 point seasons in the QMJHL, Couturier has very little to prove at the Junior level. The pivot could convert into a left wing at some point this season, if he sticks with the big club.
With Francis Bouillon still injured and the departures of Cody Franson and Brett Lebda, there should be room for the blue-chipper Ellis. He will need to earn a spot over other prospects like Teemu Laaskso and Roman Josi in addition to outplaying vets like Tyler Sloan and Jack Hillen. Could be a very interesting sleeper pick in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Couturier remains a long-shot to make the team out of training camp but could as a winger. Interesting news as his production would certainly translate better on the wing in fantasy hockey terms.
