Brayden Schenn could make permanent jump to Flyers' top line

The Philadelphia Flyers signed forward Brayden Schenn to a two-year, $5-million contract extension back in June and head coach Craig Berube may look to the 22-year-old to fill a hole on the top line that was created when the club traded winger Scott Hartnell to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

General manager Ron Hextall referred to Schenn as one of "a few candidates," adding, "there's a spot open there and I'm sure a lot of guys will be hungry for it." 

Schenn certainly possesses the ability to hang with the likes of Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, but still needs to demonstrate it on a consistent basis.

"[Schenn's] got a real gift at putting the puck in the net," Hextall said of Schenn. "He scored 20 goals, which at this stage of the game, that's a lot of goals. But we still think there's more there and there's more growth. I think the biggest thing is the consistency part.

"It's part of the maturation process," Hextall continued, "but it's also our responsibility, and also Craig's responsibility, to push Brayden and everybody else to be consistent. Play the game the right way every night. And those nights when you're not feeling well, you still have to find a way to contribute to the success of the team."

Schenn set career highs in goals (20), assists (21) and shots on goal (178) in 2013-14, spending some time on the top unit and giving the team enough to justify the salary increase. 

There's still plenty of upside in the fifth-overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, and he may be given a plum assignment this season as a means to show that off.