Flyers' Hakstol: Weal has 'decent' chance to make debut vs. Penguins
Jordan Weal has been a spectator since the Philadelphia Flyers acquired him from the Los Angeles Kings two weeks ago.
With the team nursing injuries in addition to potential bruised egos, Weal could be in line to make his debut with the Flyers (20-16-8) when they visit the Keystone State-rival Pittsburgh Penguins (21-17-7) on Thursday. While coach Dave Hakstol told reporters there's a "decent" chance for Weal's inclusion, the 23-year-old vowed to be ready should his number be called.
Via PhiladelphiaFlyers.com:
"I'm itching pretty good (to get into the lineup). It's been a long time since I've been in a game here. As a player, you don't like sitting and you don't like watching the game from the press box, you like to be in there with the guys and working hard in the game."
Weal, who last appeared in a contest on Dec. 28, had been held off the scoresheet in all 10 games with Los Angeles before being involved in the trade with veteran forward Vincent Lecavalier and defenseman Luke Schenn on Jan. 6. The Flyers also received a third-round selection in the upcoming draft as part of the deal.
Weal could take the spot of Sean Couturier, who missed practice on Wednesday due to a maintenance day. Then again, Weal could make his debut in place of struggling Pittsburgh native R.J. Umberger, who has been held without a goal this season.
Umberger and Scott Laughton did not record a shift during the third period of Philadelphia's 3-2 setback to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday.
