The Philadelphia Flyers may have found this season’s Ryan Poehling in the form of one of their latest signings, Latvian center Rodrigo Abols.
After a four-season hiatus away from the North American ranks, Abols, 28, returns with a legitimate chance to make the Flyers’ 2024-25 roster and, perhaps, his NHL debut, too. Abols last played in North America in the 2019-20 season, when he appeared in 36 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL, scoring seven goals, 16 assists, and 23 points.
Though he’s never displayed much of a goal-scoring touch in his career, the 6-foot-4, 208-pound former SHL standout projects to be more of a power center if he makes the Flyers this year. Given his size, speed, and explosiveness, Abols is an attractive pick to sneak onto the Flyers’ roster given the team’s lack of size and reliance on speed in transition to facilitate offense.
Abols had the chance to flex his wheels this past week on the international stage, barreling his way to the net and finishing the play for a decisive goal to put Latvia up 3-1. Lativa ultimately won 5-2, so Abols scored the game-winning goal that qualified his nation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Watch above as Abols leads the rush for his team against France.
The 28-year-old receives the pass from his defenseman off the wall and drives inside towards the France defender before quickly cutting outside, tricking the defender and creating ample space for himself. Abols then uses a series of quick, compact crossovers to generate speed, allowing him to blow by his defender.
By then, it’s too late for France. Abols protects the puck well and does the rest, neatly lifting the puck by the goalkeeper for a sweet goal.
Again, keeping the Flyers’ transition style in mind, Abols would fit the team like a glove.
As far as playing time goes, there are no guarantees, but the Flyers would be happy to keep Abols on the roster as the 14th forward, so long as he earns his keep, and go from there.
The Latvian’s main competition for a Flyers roster spot includes AHL journeymen Rhett Gardner and Anthony Richard, newcomer Oscar Eklind, and prospects Elliot Desnoyers and Olle Lycksell.
