Tyson Foerster stands above the rest at Flyers development camp

For two days, Tyson Foerster got to wear his number of choice, No. 18, at Flyers development camp.

But on Monday, the Flyers signed NHL veteran defenseman Marc Staal. Staal, 36, has worn No. 18 for all three NHL teams he has previously played for. And so Foerster’s time as No. 18, at least temporarily, came to an end.

“That was pretty funny,” Foerster said. “But, whatever, he’s a veteran, so he can have it.”

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Foerster, who turned 21 in January, has only eight NHL games under his belt as opposed to Staal’s 1,101. But those eight games made him a veteran at development camp — and he looked it.

Over the past year, Foerster has gotten bigger, stronger, and more physical, and he was tearing through the younger prospects in battle drills. At 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, he didn’t shy away from contact on the boards or in front of the net.

While his skating still could use work, it was noticeably better, and he was able to beat opponents up the ice. And his shot stood out, as it always has, as he rocketed pucks into the goal from all over the ice.

But Foerster also showed off his leadership at camp, something that he hasn’t had as much of a chance to develop as one of the youngest players at Lehigh Valley last season.

“That’s what I think I’m here for is to lead the guys and then show them what’s up and be the hardest-working guy on the ice,” Foerster said.

His efforts did not go unnoticed by the staff. Assistant general manager Brent Flahr said Foerster helped everyone feel comfortable. While he didn’t run camp, coach John Tortorella also was watching from the perch above the rink. Last season, he made no secret about how impressed he was with Foerster.

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The time playing for Tortorella and the Flyers has driven Foerster going into the offseason. He is more determined than ever to make it, but he also knows a roster spot is not guaranteed.

Foerster decided to stay in the area for the summer and is working out with other young prospects like Alexis Gendron and Elliot Desnoyers. He said he’s focusing on improving all parts of his game, but he’s placing a special emphasis on his leg strength and his quick steps.

“I don’t think I can expect a spot,” Foerster said. “I still feel like I have to work my tail off.”

But when he makes it, he’ll be wearing No. 71 instead of No. 18 for as long as Staal’s around.

Alex Bump thinks he stands out for his shot. Flahr would beg to differ.

“He just knows how to score,” Flahr said. “There’s kids that can really shoot the puck — most of these guys can really shoot the puck — but there are guys that can just score, and he seems to have a knack for that.”

That was on display Thursday in the scrimmage on the last day of their development camp. Bump scored twice, earning praise from Desnoyers, a fellow fifth-round pick. Desnoyers set up one of the goals with a pass to Bump at net front. Bump gathered the puck, spun, and slammed it home.

“He’s got that little scoring touch, always ready to make the best play out there,” Desnoyers said of Bump.

When he saw Tortorella watching from above, Bump experienced some nerves but reminded himself that the Flyers drafted him for a reason and to play his game. His game was on display all week as he used his size (6-foot, 200 pounds) and skill to his advantage in battle drills and then the scrimmage.

The 19-year-old Bump doesn’t expect to compete for an NHL spot for another few years. He’s headed to the University of Vermont first. But he’s hoping the lessons he learned at his second development camp will launch him into a successful NCAA career.

“That definitely gives me a little bit of confidence going in there and just trying to score some goals, make some plays, and just play my game as best as I can,” Bump said.

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