The Philadelphia Flyers have placed center Anthony Richard on waivers with the intention of assigning him to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. This move, announced on February 7, 2025, comes as the Flyers look to adjust their roster following recent acquisitions.
Richard, 28, has appeared in 15 games for the Flyers this season, contributing two goals and four assists while averaging just over 12 minutes of ice time per game. He was recalled to the NHL roster on January 22, 2025, after demonstrating strong performance with the Phantoms, where he tallied eight goals and 19 points in 18 games.
The decision to place Richard on waivers is likely influenced by the Flyers’ recent acquisitions of forwards Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier. Integrating these new players necessitates adjustments to the lineup, and Richard’s reassignment provides roster flexibility.
Should Richard clear waivers, he is expected to rejoin the Phantoms, who are currently positioned fifth in the Atlantic Division. His return would be a significant boost for the AHL team, given his previous contributions and experience.
Richard’s journey to the Flyers began in July 2024, when he signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $775,000. Prior to joining Philadelphia, he spent the majority of the 2023-24 season with the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, where he recorded 55 points in 59 games. His performance earned him a brief stint in the NHL, appearing in nine games for Boston and registering one goal and two assists.
Originally drafted in the fourth round by the Nashville Predators in 2015, Richard has accumulated extensive experience in the AHL, amassing 319 points over 499 games across parts of ten seasons. His consistent performance at the AHL level underscores his value as a seasoned player capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.
This is not the first time Richard has been placed on waivers by the Flyers. In October 2024, he, along with forward Olle Lycksell, was waived with the intention of assigning them to the Phantoms. Both players cleared waivers and reported to the AHL, where they continued to develop their skills and await potential NHL opportunities.
The waiver process allows NHL teams to manage their rosters effectively, providing flexibility to move players between the NHL and AHL. For players like Richard, clearing waivers and being assigned to the AHL offers an opportunity to maintain game readiness and continue contributing at a high level, with the potential for future NHL recalls.
As the Flyers navigate the remainder of the season, roster moves such as this are essential for balancing player development and team performance. Richard’s experience and proven track record in the AHL make him a valuable asset for the Phantoms, and his performance there could lead to future opportunities with the Flyers, depending on the organization’s needs and his continued development.
In the dynamic environment of professional hockey, transactions like these are commonplace as teams strive to optimize their rosters for both immediate success and long-term growth. For Anthony Richard, this reassignment represents another chapter in his professional journey, offering him the chance to further showcase his abilities and contribute significantly to the Phantoms’ pursuit of success in the AHL.
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