If you pay attention to Philadelphia Flyers prospects, you probably know about Alex Bump and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The Phantoms are off to a great start under new head coach John Snowden, boasting a record of 9-4-1 through 15 games. Bump is leading the team in points this season with 13 points on four goals and nine assists.

Bumps’ nine assists lead the team, and his four goals are third, behind Danver Barkey with five, and Lane Pederson with six. The Flyers prospect is tied for the AHL rookie lead in assists as well. He is also tied for fourth in goals and tied for second in rookie points.

Rick Tocchet said he is aware of the season that Alex Bump is putting together in Lehigh Valley. He credits Bump for his excellent play, but also gives John Snowden his flowers for helping Bump break his slow start.

“[Bump] started out really slow, and I really attribute this (Bump’s breakout) to [Snowden]. That’s why he’s the head coach. I think he’s an excellent coach. He knows how to develop,” said Tocchet.

Tocchet would continue by saying, “He’s got a little bit of not sternness, but he’s good at getting to a player without crushing the guy’s confidence. I think Bump needed that two, three weeks ago, and his play is getting better. So I attribute that to Bump. Obviously, it’s all him, but I have to give a lot of credit to Snowden for what he’s doing with him down there.”

Tocchet talks communication with the farm

This is not abnormal for Tocchet to be caught up with what’s going on in Lehigh. The Flyers’ head coach said he regularly talks to Snowden, but admits it has been more frequent lately. “Lately, a lot more. I talked to Snowden the other day. He checks in, or I’ll check in with him. We talk systems. We talk about what he’s seeing, which is great, and who’s playing well. Then usually, we’ll have the [Phantoms] game on if we’re working out or something. So [we pay attention] as much as we can.”

Tocchet said, “I think it’s huge that we have contact with those guys.” The Flyers’ head coach shared what the communication is like, saying, “Then Snowden will check in about whether they’re struggling with something that we’re doing, and vice versa. And I want to ask him, Hey, do you have any new stuff for me?“

It’s not just John Snowden that Tocchet keeps up with. He also mentioned Flyers Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong, who was even in the building on Monday.

“Reily [Armstrong] is here today. He fills us in on who’s doing what.”

Even through the busy NHL schedule, Rick Tocchet is keeping tabs on what’s going on with the team’s AHL affiliate.

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