Adam Ginning is the latest to sign an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.
He agreed to a 2yr/$1.85mil deal. Ginning was the 50th overall pick from the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
His play improved with Färjestad BK. There was a slight drop in offensive production, but that’s perfectly acceptable. Ginning improved defensively, helping Färjestad BK hoist the Le Mat Trophy.
In 2022-2023, Ginning will develop with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Already stacked with LD depth, he’ll compete with Yegor Zamula, Cooper Zech, and Mason Millman for ice time. Linus Högberg is a restricted free agent, requiring a qualifying offer of $787.5k. He’s a project to craft, but time is on the side of the 22-year-old.
A depth signing, Chuck Fletcher wants to see his game translate from the SHL. Ron Hextall drafted Ginning. It’ll be up to Fletcher’s regime to mold the former second-rounder.
How does this signing impact 2022-2023? What is the word on Ginning? Here’s what we know about the newest Flyers signee.
A New (Be)Ginning
In 2018, Hextall selected Ginning following two straight SHL playoff appearances with Linköping HC. Then, his international play became a focal point in the World Juniors, taking home the bronze medal in 2019-2020. The captain of the 2019-2020 Swedish World Juniors team joined Färjestad BK in the SHL, winning the championship this season.
Ginning is 6’4″ and 206lbs. He is physical, and his strength is net-front. In many ways, Ginning resembles Rasmus Ristolainen. Except, Ginning received praise for his defensive awareness upon being drafted.
His ability to pre-read on defense in transition is an agreed strength amongst scouts. There isn’t a true defensive defenseman in Philadelphia. The entire formula is reliant on two-way and offensive defensemen. Ginning is refreshing to the Flyers, and if development favors what the scouts say, he could be a reputable NHL defenseman.
Ginning in 2022-2023
Most expected Ginning to stay for another two seasons in Sweden following 2018-2019. He signed his entry-level contract after raising the Le Mat Trophy. Everything about his timing and development is on schedule.
Ginning will join Zamula, Zech, and Millman in training camp. Together, they are the four LD prospects with a contract in 2022-2023. Högberg is an RFA this offseason, yet to receive an offer.
More interest will surround Ginning in 2023-2024. Expect 2022-2023 to be a transformative learning experience from the SHL to the AHL.
(Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre)
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