Flyers Recall D Phil Myers

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers started a wave of activity on Saturday morning by announcing a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, sending Dale Weise and Christian Folin to Montreal for David Schlemko and Byron Froese.

GM Chuck Fletcher said that both Schlemko and Froese will report to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and that left the Flyers with 12 forwards and six defensemen on the roster. To add to the roster, the Flyers called up defenseman Phil Myers from the Phantoms.

"After this trade we're down to 12 forwards and 6 defensemen so we need another player and he's the player most deserving," Fletcher said. "If he gets into a game over the next few days time will tell. He deserves this opportunity, he's played great."

Fletcher added that Myers being in the lineup is up to the coaching staff. He also said that despite the team's recent eight-game winning streak and nine-game points streak, which has moved the Flyers to within eight points of a playoff spot, Myers was the best defenseman that was available for recall and that's why he's here. Fletcher said that by coming up to the NHL, Myers gets some valuable learning experience at the highest level, and noted that a full-time spot will be up for grabs for him next season at training camp.

Myers was listed as available for Saturday's game, but was not on the ice for warmups and will be a scratch for the game. Myers scored a goal in the Phantoms 5-2 loss in Utica on Friday night, and the team's travel back to Lehigh Valley was delayed due to weather, so it's very likely Myers did not make it to Philadelphia in time for the start of the game.

Myers had nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points in 48 games with the Phantoms this season. Last season, Myers scored five goals and had 16 assists for 21 points in 50 games.

Myers will wear No. 61 and likely debut next week. Myers signed with the Flyers as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

The Flyers are facing the Anaheim Ducks at 1 p.m.