With the news of R.J. Umberger's season-ending injury, the Flyers had a void at forward that needed to be filled. And in the closing stages of this season, they have decided to give one of their up-and-coming prospects a chance at the NHL level.
Nick Cousins, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms leading scorer this season, has been recalled and will join the Flyers for the upcoming four-game road trip.
Cousins leads the Phantoms with 21 goals and 55 points in 61 games this season. Most recently, on March 11, Cousins scored three goals and added an assist for a four-point game in the Phantoms 4-3 win against the Toronto Marlies. Cousins also scored a goal and added an assist in the Phantoms 4-2 win against Bridgeport on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old center and third-round pick of the Flyers in 2011 will make his NHL debut upon seeing his first game action, whenever that may come.
Cousins will wear No. 52 with the team, the same number he wore in the preseason with the Flyers this season. Cousins had two assists in two preseason games.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
