Flyers' Luke Schenn working through ‘outside noise'

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VOORHEES, N.J. -- In the last season of his five-year deal, Luke Schenn entered training camp in an unfavorable position. He’s a bubble player on a crowded Flyers blue line.

“There’s a lot of talented guys here but there’s a lot of parity around the camp, too,” he said, following the second day of camp at the Skate Zone Saturday (see Flyers Notes). “Whether it’s defense or forwards, you got a few top guys, but a lot of guys can filter into a lot of different spots.”

In a contract year, and without a guarantee that he can filter into a starting spot, the pressure is on for Schenn to perform.

“You recognize it’s the last year of your contract but it’s all part of the business,” said Schenn, who missed 24 games last season between being a healthy scratch and abdominal surgery. “It’s not what you think about all the time but you do realize you’re playing for that.”

While Schenn believes he has a fair shot at one of the six starting defensive positions, he appears to be on the outside looking in. New Flyers coach Dave Hakstol lined up Nick Schultz with Mark Streit, Michael Del Zotto with newcomer Evgeni Medvedev, and Andrew MacDonald with Radko Gudas.

Meanwhile, Schenn was paired with Brandon Manning, who wasn’t an NHL regular last season. Although that could change, the early decision made by Hakstol doesn’t bode well for Schenn’s chances at making the starting roster.

“It’s very competitive, but at the same time, you can’t focus too much on what’s going on around you,” Schenn said. “It’s outside noise, you have to focus on improving yourself.”

Dimming Schenn's chances even further is that the 25-year-old’s skill set is one of a physical, stay-at-home shot-blocker, while the coach has put an onus on puck-movement and transition speed.

“He wants guys skating and quick puck movement, but I’m not going to change my game,” Schenn said. “I feel like I can move the puck and I can pass. You’re not going to change what made you successful, and for me, that’s being solid defensively.”

But regardless of whether Schenn can scratch out a starting position or win the faith of Hakstol, he will continue to be a team player.

“Individual success comes from team success so you do what’s best to put some points in the column,” Schenn said. “The better year the team has, the better you’re going to get recognized."

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