The Philadelphia Flyers have added Nick Capone, a former University of Connecticut forward, to their roster, at least temporarily, as they prepare for the upcoming Rookie Series. According to the NHL Media site, Capone is listed as an “In the system” player, which implies he hasn’t yet made the main Flyers roster but will likely be part of their squad for the Rookie Series against the New York Rangers later this week.
Capone, 22, was a sixth-round draft pick (157th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2020 NHL Draft. However, his signing rights with the Lightning expired earlier in the offseason, making him a free agent and opening up opportunities with other teams, like the Flyers. Capone’s current status with Philadelphia is an audition of sorts, as the Flyers assess his potential to become a part of their future plans.
In his time playing at the collegiate level for UConn, Capone registered modest offensive numbers. Over 118 games, he scored 18 goals, provided 24 assists, and accumulated a total of 42 points. In addition to his scoring contributions, he tallied 116 penalty minutes, signaling that he plays with a physical edge. While these numbers don’t jump off the page, Capone’s playing style and physicality are key attributes that could appeal to the Flyers as they look to build depth within their roster.
Before his time at UConn, Capone played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the Tri-City Storm. In his draft year (2019-2020), he scored seven goals and added 12 assists for 19 points in 34 games. Though these statistics might not reflect the traditional high-scoring output that teams may seek, Capone’s appeal lies in other aspects of his game.
A scouting report from 2020 by Neutral Zone provides some insights into what makes Capone a valuable player. The report highlights his ability to play a straightforward, north-south game, emphasizing his strong forechecking abilities and physical play. His straight-line speed allows him to be disruptive in the offensive zone, where he can force turnovers and apply pressure on defenders. The report suggests that Capone’s future in the NHL, if he reaches that level, would be as a bottom-six forward, a role often reserved for players who focus on energy, defense, and toughness rather than pure scoring.
The scouting report also notes that being a bottom-six forward isn’t a negative assessment but rather an acknowledgment of Capone’s strengths. His physicality, combined with decent hands and vision, makes him the kind of player who could thrive in a depth role, providing a valuable presence on the ice even without racking up points.
In addition to Capone, the Flyers have invited other prospects to join their team for the Rookie Series. Among them are Sam Hillebrandt, a goaltender from the Barrie Colts, and Josh Zakreski, a forward from the Portland Winterhawks. The Rookie Series, scheduled for September 13 and 14 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, provides these young players with an opportunity to impress the Flyers’ coaching staff and management as they evaluate talent for the future.
As for Capone, this stint with the Flyers could lead to further opportunities if he performs well. There’s a possibility that with additional development, he could earn himself an entry-level NHL contract. Should he make it to the big league, he could potentially model his game after a player like Garnet Hathaway, a gritty, hard-nosed forward who has made a career out of being tough to play against in a bottom-six role. Hathaway, who signed a two-year contract extension on July 1, has built a reputation as a reliable and physical presence on the ice, and Capone might aim to follow a similar path.
While Capone still has a lot to prove, his style of play could fit well within the Flyers’ system, especially if they are looking for players who can bring energy, toughness, and defensive responsibility to their lineup. His performance in the Rookie Series could be a crucial step toward earning a more permanent role with the organization.
