As the Philadelphia Flyers approach the 2026-27 season, defensive concerns persist despite last season’s success. Head coach Rick Tocchet will oversee a training camp featuring young defensemen, including newcomer Simon Benoit and prospects Oliver Bonk and David Jiricek, the latter facing pressure to secure a roster spot due to his waivers-exempt status. Jiricek aims to leverage his strong performance with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms to carve out a role in the NHL. With a compressed training camp, competition for defense positions will be intense as the Flyers hope for Jiricek’s development.
