Flyers Practice: Abols Called Up, Poehling Update

The Philadelphia Flyers (21-20-6) practiced at their training facility Monday ahead of Tuesday night’s matchup against the 21-21-4 Detroit Red Wings.

Practice gave a good look at the teams’ updated roster, and head coach John Tortorella spoke to the media following Monday’s practice.

Ryan Poehling has officially hit the IR with an “upper-body” injury. Poehling suffered the injury during the Flyers 5-3 win against the New York Islanders on Thursday. Poehling was hit by Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov, who was suspended three games for the hit.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 03: Philadelphia Flyers center Rodrigo Abols (18) settles the puck during the preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers on October 3rd, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire)

John Tortorella said that he has not been given a timetable for Poehling’s return but mentions that Poehling is “getting better each day.” 

With Poehling’s absence, the Flyers called up forward Rodrigo Abols from the Phantoms to fill Poehling’s spot on the roster.

In 34 games with the Phantoms this year, Abols has nine goals and 10 assists (19TP). He is tied for fourth in points scored for the Phantoms this season.

Abols skated with the fourth line at practice on Monday, where he will likely compete with Olle Lycksell for playing time during his run with the Flyers.

The Latvian forward made a deep run during training camp, competing for a final roster spot before being sent down to the AHL. Before returning to the NHL/AHL, Abols spent four seasons with two different teams in the SHL.

Owen Tippett-Morgan Frost-Travis Konecny

Joel Farabee-Sean Couturier-Matvei Michkov

Tyson Foerster-Noah Cates-Bobby Brink

Olle Lycksell-Rodrigo Abols-Garnet Hathaway

Scott Laughton was absent from practice on Monday; Flyers’ PR said it was due to a family matter. When speaking to the media on Monday, Tortorella said, “Chance they’re not sure on Laughts.” It was unclear whether that was in regard to the personal matter he was dealing with Monday or if the team prefers Laughton on the wing.

Regardless, that information helps explain why Abols got the call over someone like Anthony Richard, who had six points in seven games with the Flyers earlier this season. Abols has more experience playing center, so his versatility likely gave him the upper hand.

The other skater absent from practice was Erik Johnson, who had a maintenance day per Flyers’ PR.

The Flyers will hold a morning skate back in Vorhees on Tuesday ahead of their game against the Red Wings.