The Flyers were a better team when Andrew MacDonald was in the lineup last season, but the 30-year-old defenseman knows that doesn't guarantee him a roster spot this year.
After being sent down to the AHL's Phantoms in a stunning move last October, the easy-going MacDonald isn't taking anything for granted.
"I had to deal with it," MacDonald said the other day after skating at the Flyers' practice rink in Voorhees, getting ready for the start of camp on Sept. 23. "I think it was a real good hurdle _ and adversity _ to try to get over.