With the 2015-2016 hockey season quickly approaching, there are many lingering questions surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers. Among some of the most insistent inquiries is one regarding the best position for young forward, Brayden Schenn.

In four seasons with the Flyers, Schenn has accumulated fifty-eight goals and one hundred thirty-two points, while appearing in two hundred sixty-five games. He has played all three forward positions and has skated on every line; yet, he still has not been given a definitive role on the roster. As a natural center, the position Schenn has played all his life, it is arguable that he has untapped potential that could become evident if given the chance to find home in his comfort zone.

A Fresh Start

Under new head coach, Dave Hakstol, Schenn has one more chance to prove his worth to the Flyers organization before his contract expires. Hakstol states, “I think I am going to allow that proof to be decided in [Schenn’s] performance. I’m not making any decisions on anything that’s happened in the past. I think it’s about what you do from this point forward, and that will be the case in this situation.” In the next eighty-two games, Schenn needs to produce and impress if he wants to stay in Philadelphia.

Regarding a contract extension, Flyers’ general manager, Ron Hextall, says, “I’ve spoken with [Schenn’s] agent a number of times over the summer about different things, and the subject’s never come up; it’s not something we’re in a hurry to do.” With no definite extension on the horizon, Brayden Schenn is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2016 season.

While some critics believe that the twenty-three year old Saskatoon native has reached his performance peak, others support the idea that he is still destined to be the power-house athlete that the National Hockey League anticipated when he was drafted fifth over-all in 2009.

Flyers also hope Brayden Schenn can continue his solid play (Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)

Schenn produced an impressive eighty-eight points in seventy games during his draft year and was sought out as one of the brightest young stars entering the NHL. Earlier in his career, Schenn averaged at least two points per game in the WHL, was selected for the World Junior Championship team and was awarded for his outstanding performance, and he then jumped right into the AHL, where he averaged one point per game. He accomplished all this in one year. Far from under-rated, the NHL quickly caught on to his abilities. He was considered a future stand-out star – a physical two-way center who could score and control plays; he was a force in all zones, exactly what the NHL wanted. His talent had scouts and fans clawing at the chance to see him play.

Though Schenn was expected to dazzle in Philadelphia, his first season was cut short by unfortunate injuries. He was forced into an unfavorable position on the ice and quickly began to lose the support of fans, as well as that of the Flyers Organization. He was labeled a disappointment.

Coming Back Strongly

Not consistently playing his natural position at center and being shuffled from right wing to left wing, Schenn did not repeat his junior league successes. If given the chance to play at center with regular line-mates, Schenn can wow the Philadelphia Flyers and their fans with numbers like those he produced earlier in his career. According to Schenn, he is “prepared and confident moving forward this season; ready for any situation.” As an athlete with a competitive nature and versatility, Schenn is bound to succeed in surpassing Philadelphia’s expectations in the upcoming season.