Philadelphia Flyers‘ 6th year defenseman Brandon Manning(23) was recently rewarded for his consistent good and only getting better play with a new 2-year one-way contract.
The physical blue liner skated his first full NHL season in 2015/2016 appearing in 56 games scoring a career high one goal (his first) and 6 assists for 7 points with a +2 rating.
It was just two years prior when he failed to appear in even a single big league game but put up an impressive AHL bests with 8 goals, 23 assists for 31 points with an abysmal -24 rating but was seemingly enough to keep him on the radar screen and help him eek out another contract to stick with it.
Although he only played in 11 contests with the parent club in the next campaign 2014/2015, he continued on a path of bettering his performance with three assists and continued his on ice accountability.
He owns a +10 plus/minus in the show and never backs down from a physical battle.
The 26-year old could find himself as a bit on the cusp of staying with the organization and may be considered trade bait if they are looking for more fire power up front.
Or he could stick with the only team he’s known and be counted on for his tough and consistent play.
Brandon Manning(28) Adirondack Phantoms
No doubt about it Philadelphia Flyers need defenseman and this one could be a hidden gem for them.
Undrafted rookie d-man Brandon Manning(28) scored his first ever professional hockey goal last Friday night in Adirondack Phantoms‘ home win vs. Hamilton Bulldogs at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Still one of the best arenas to see a hockey game in.
He started the season on injured reserved and has since played 11 AHL games adding an assist and going a -4 plus/minus.
Won’t be a surprise if the Flyers give him a look this year.