A proven scorer in the AHL with 225 points in 265 games over the past four seasons, including 53 points in 57 games for Philadelphia's farm team last year, Akeson has had trouble translating that success into the NHL. The undrafted winger was also a prolific scorer in major junior, but his lack of size and mediocre defensive play have thus far prevented him from establishing himself at the game's highest level, as he went without a point in 13 games with the Flyers last season before being waived and sent to the AHL. Akeson will get a chance to win a spot in the lineup in training camp, but in all likelihood, he'll spend the majority of the season with AHL Rochester.
With Scott Hartnell and Tye McGinn departing for Columbus and San Jose respectively, Akeson will have the opportunity to audition for a permanent role in the Flyers' top-six. At 24, he has put in his time in Adirondack -- scoring 172 points in 208 games -- and looks ready to take the next step. While he only appeared in one regular season game last year, he did play in all seven playoff games for the Flyers, registering two goals and one assist. It’s worthwhile to pay attention to which line he ends up on in training camp -- if he ends up in the top six, he could be a gem in the later rounds of the draft.
Akeson appeared in one game with the Flyers last year. Though he only spent about 12 minutes on the ice, he made the most of it by notching a goal. While the 23-year-old right winger is still below Max Talbot, Wayne Simmonds, and Jakub Voracek on the depth chart, an injury to one of those players could signal significant playing time for Akeson. So he could be worth a look in keeper leagues, especially if he can keep up that goal per game pace.
In Akeson’s rookie year with Adirondack (AHL), the winger posted an impressive 55 points in 76 contests. During five OHL seasons with Kitchener, Akeson saw an increase in point totals each year, peaking in the 2010-11 season with 24 goals, 84 assists and plus-20 rating. Odds are Akeson will have an opportunity to prove himself in the NHL this year. He could see decent ice time with the Flyers if he can translate OHL and AHL success to the NHL. He's definitely worth a look in keeper leagues.
