David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Top Flyers Prospect Provides Injury Update

Originally posted on Philly Hockey Now
By Jonathan Bailey | Last updated 4/27/24

Top Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect Samu Tuomaala hasn’t played for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms since April 13 after suffering an injury against the Bridgeport Islanders. According to him, though, a return could be imminent after two weeks out of action.

After Game 2 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup playoffs – a game in which the Phantoms won to complete the first-round sweep – Tuomaala provided an injury update to Philly Hockey Now.

The 21-year-old forward said that he is, in fact, “feeling better” and that he could be back on the ice “soon.” Tuomaala was not observed wearing any kind of cast, boot, sling, or other types of support, which may suggest that his injury is not one that is serious.

Bumped into Samu Tuomaala on the way out of the arena

Said he’s feeling better and hopefully close to getting back in. He’s also really happy that the team is still playing and winning games.#LetsGoFlyers

— Jon Bailey (@ByJonBailey) April 27, 2024

Drafted in the second round, 46th overall, by the Flyers in the 2021 NHL Draft, Tuomaala is currently in the middle of his first full season playing in North America. The young Finn previously made a two-game cameo for the Phantoms back in his draft year in 2021-22 but scored zero points in those two games.

This year, though, Tuomaala has had a strong season on a Phantoms team that is on the weaker side in terms of talent. Through 69 regular season games, Tuomaala produced 15 goals, 28 assists, and 43 points to go with a decent minus-1 plus-minus rating.

Tuomaala’s numbers this season would look even better if he hadn’t hit a cold streak to end his regular season. The Flyers draft pick has just one goal and two assists in his last 14 appearances for Lehigh Valley.

Removing that slump, Tuomaala would have 40 points in 55 games. That pace is obviously much more impressive, though it doesn’t take away from what Tuomaala has accomplished during his first season in the pros in North America.

Tuomaala also added that he was “really happy” the team made the playoffs and has extra games to play. Now, we’ll wait and see if he gets to play in those games under the guise of Flyers management.

This article first appeared on Philly Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: