Christopher Szagola-US PRESSWIRE

Part six of the Philadelphia Flyers‘ player rankings shifts our focus from three players with minimum roles to another three players who could help determine the Flyers’ spot in the Eastern Conference. These players do not play big minutes, yet they still control the tempo of the game and can put up big numbers for the team in anyway possible.

12. Nicklas Grossmann (D): When the Flyers acquired Grossmann before the trade deadline last season, they had faith that his physical presence could help control the tempo of a game. Well they were right. Grossmann came over to the Flyers and had an immediate impact. He put hits on skilled players that helped slow the tempo down. With injuries to a couple of defensmen, look for Grossmann to be leaned on even more by coach Peter Laviolette to play some meaningful minutes.

11. Andrej Meszaros (D): One of the most significant injuries to the Flyers blue line at the end of last season and for the start of this season is the injury to Meszaros. In his career, Meszaros has recorded 200 points, but most importantly, he has 19 power play goals. Without Meszaros on the power play, the Flyers lose a player with a great shot from the blue line. Meszaros’ injury could create a significant hole for the Flyers on the man advantage. Look for Meszaros to come back stronger and better than ever.

10. Brayden Schenn (C): The biggest surprises of last off season was the Flyers’ trade that acquired Schenn from the Los Angeles Kings. Schenn was one of the most coveted young players in all of the NHL‘s farm systems. In 54 games, Schenn recorded 18 points but he did not score his first goal until the Winter Classic. What did not get overlooked was Schenn’s play during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 11 games, Schenn recorded 9 points. Many Flyers’ fans have huge expectations for the 21-year old this season. If last postseason was a sign of things to come, then the Flyers have struck pure gold with their trade from a year ago.

David A. Cattai is the Featured Writer for the Philadelphia Flyers with Rant Sports & Featured Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia Phillies for Buzz On Broad.

Follow me on Twitter @DCattaiSports for all Flyers, Phillies, NHL, and MLB sports updates.