It began with a left shoulder injury and tough cap hit.
It ended with two roster moves.
Brayden Schenns strange odyssey back onto the Flyers roster finally became a reality on Wednesday when the club brought him back from the Adirondack Phantoms.
Obviously, I was wanting to start the year with the Flyers this year, but with the cap, with what mine was at and what the team was at, I guess coming off a shoulder injury, said the 20-year-old Schenn, who was sent down on Oct. 4one day before the NHL season began.
I went down there, played some games, played in all situations, and I didnt try to let that affect me. I just tried to go out there and play as well as I can. I think Ive got some confidence now and played quite a few minutes each game down there. I feel good and ready now.
By starting the season with the Phantoms, Schenns cap hit went from 3.1 million to 1.69 million. The Flyers could not afford him at seasons start.
They were only able to bring him up on Wednesday by sending both Zac Rinaldo and Harry Zolnierczyk back to the Phantoms, shedding 1.34 million off their cap, leaving them with about 21,000 in cap space (64.3 million is the cap).
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That's nowhere near enough space for the Flyers to survive the season as a Stanley Cup contender. At some point, the team will have to lose a major salary to have any flexibility come the trade deadline.
Thats another story for another day.
Schenn, who labored in camp with a sore left shoulder and lack of playing time, knew why he could not start here.
He sucked it up and, frankly, made the most of it, scoring four goals with four assists for eight points in four games.
They just kind of mentioned that they had a little bit of cap problems and for me to have to miss the first game there just because of my cap and then with the other stuff that was going on there to just have to wait it out, Schenn said leaving the Flyers earlier this month.
And now that I get to get the call, hopefully Im there to stay and Im just going to try to prove that in every way.
With Jody Shelley coming back from his five-game suspension, the Flyers could not have moved Rinaldo without risking not having a forward who could fight. They had to wait until Shelleys suspension ended.
As to where Schenn plays on Thursday against the undefeated Washington Capitalswell, theres some talk about an all-rookie line with him, Sean Couturier and Matt Read.
Obviously, both of them are playing real well, Schenn said. Theyre playing in all situations. For me, it doesnt really matter who I play with. All Ive watched so far is that the line is looking good. Read and Couturier are looking comfortable and good out there and it doesnt matter to me. I guess well see what happens.
Peter Laviolette seldom tips his hand on these matters, yet the fact all three of these guys are defensive-conscious seemed to strike a chord with the Flyers coach.
Im sure its been done before, Laviolette said. Im sure its been done with success and not having success. You know, if that were to happen here, I can tell you that I probably would trust the three guys just based on what Ive seen in their performance and the way they play the game.
Sean is going to be really good defender. Matt also is used in situations where were defending the penalty kill and seems to be a smart defensive player. I dont think its impossible for something to happen like that.
If not that line, where does Schenn go?
I have a pretty good idea, Laviolette said. I havent even talked to Brayden, so Ill probably save my conversations for him first.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net