Flyers D Andrew MacDonald Suffers Lower-Body Injury, Out 6 Weeks

(Photo: Kate Frese)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

A few weeks back, the Flyers confirmed an offseason injury to Sean Couturier, keeping him sidelined for four-to-six weeks. The recovery period kept him on track to start the regular season with the team, but would affect his training camp ice time.

Another Flyer has suffered an offseason injury, and this one will likely delay his start to the season. Defenseman Andrew MacDonald suffered a lower-body injury during an offseason workout and will be out for six weeks, according to GM Ron Hextall.

MacDonald is entering his 11th NHL season and sixth as a member of the Flyers. He averaged over 19 minutes of ice time last season while scoring six goals and 21 points. MacDonald also served as an alternate captain of the team in 2017-18.

MacDonald's injury obviously holds great significance as training camp begins. The Flyers entered camp with very few roster battles, but the injury could open the door for a rookie to join the team. The Flyers currently have Ivan Provorov, Shayne Gostisbehere, Radko Gudas, Robert Hagg and Christian Folin as essential roster locks entering the season. Travis Sanheim is also expected to make the team out of camp this season.

With Sam Morin injured as well, it could open up an opportunity for Phil Myers to make the team as well, as the team is certain to carry seven defensemen.

Training camp begins on Friday, Sept. 14 for the Flyers with the preseason opening up on Sunday, Sept. 16 against the New York Islanders.