One of the many disappointing moments for the Philadelphia Flyers this season was the early injury of Bobby Brink, who underwent hip surgery in July. Now, months later, the young forward is ready to return to action.
Brink has been activated from injured reserve and loaned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, along with Olle Lycksell, who is on his way back after a recent call-up.
Selected 34th overall in 2019, Brink turned into a superstar at the University of Denver, scoring 57 points in his junior season to lead the nation and taking home an NCAA championship. In his ten-game stint with the Flyers at the end of last season, he flashed top-end skill and recorded four assists.
Still looking for his first NHL goal, Brink might have to wait a little while. Coming off major surgery and joining an organization that is struggling to stay competitive, it might be better off for him to spend the rest of this season in the minor leagues.
Even if he proves too good for that level, the Flyers would be giving him the opportunity to play big minutes and touch the puck a ton, something that he may struggle with in the NHL given the team’s inconsistent play.
No matter where he plays, Flyers fans should be excited about Brink’s future. The idea of him lining up alongside Cutter Gauthier, for instance, is an interesting one, given their respective strengths. Given his long layoff, it may take him some time to get back up to speed. But for Philadelphia fans searching for something to cheer about, this is it.