Denver Barkey gave Rick Tocchet an early preseason concern Monday after the Flyers center was forced out of the game following a hard hit.
Barkey had been skating in the middle of Philadelphia's top line when Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary caught him with roughly four and a half minutes left in the first period.
The young center was slow getting back up, but he stayed in the game and finished the period. That initially gave Philadelphia some reason to believe he had avoided a bigger issue.
That changed immediately after intermission. Barkey took the opening faceoff of the second period, then headed toward the bench while appearing uncomfortable.
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He eventually went down the tunnel and did not return, turning what had been another important preseason appearance into a waiting game for the Flyers.
There was no official update on Barkey's condition following his exit. With roster decisions approaching, any missed practice time could matter for a player pushing for a major role.
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Barkey's deployment makes the situation worth watching closely. Philadelphia gave him an opportunity between top-line forwards, putting him directly into one of the biggest position battles of camp.
Rick Tocchet now waits on Denver Barkey
Tocchet has options at center, but Barkey's preseason opportunity has given the coaching staff another legitimate lineup decision to consider. The Flyers hired Tocchet as head coach in 2025.
The timing is what makes the exit frustrating for Barkey. Every preseason shift offers another chance to show he can handle NHL pace, defensive responsibility and the pressure that comes with playing high in the lineup.
His response after the original contact also stood out. Barkey tried to remain in the game instead of immediately leaving, only for the discomfort to become more apparent when the second period began.
For Philadelphia, the next update carries more weight than the final score of an exhibition game. Barkey's availability could affect line combinations and which centers receive the next extended look.
The Flyers still have preseason runway to adjust. Barkey, though, had already put himself directly into the conversation for meaningful NHL minutes.
Now Tocchet and the Flyers have to find out whether Monday's exit was only a short interruption or something that changes Barkey's push for a roster spot.
Should Denver Barkey remain in the Flyers' top-line center mix when healthy?
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