Tyson Foerster practices with Flyers for first time since December injury

"Whether he comes back this year or not, I’m not quite sure, but he is definitely progressing in the right direction," Rick Tocchet said of Foerster.

Flyers winger Tyson Foerster has not played since hurting his arm or shoulder at the beginning of January.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

by Jackie Spiegel

Published March 17, 2026, 7:47 p.m. ET

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Walking out into the lower bowl of the Honda Center, a bright yellow cut across one’s eyeline.

Skating in a sea of black and orange, Tyson Foerster was surprisingly donning a yellow non-contact jersey at the Flyers’ practice in Anaheim on Tuesday. It marked the first time he practiced with the team since he underwent surgery to repair an upper-body injury in mid-December.

Asked if there’s a chance the 24-year-old returns before the regular season ends on April 14, coach Rick Tocchet said: “I think it’s too early to say, but you saw the coaches smiling.”

Speaking to the media after the NHL trade deadline, general manager Danny Brière would not disclose the nature of the injury or what was fixed, but he said Foerster’s rehab was on track and that the winger was skating and shooting pucks again. Foerster was seen at the Flyers Training Center on Sunday, skating on a different sheet of ice.

“He’s trending in the right direction, and I know he’s going to start knocking on my door soon to get back in the lineup earlier,” Brière said. “He’s just that type of person. He’s going to push to get back earlier. So we’ll see what happens.”

Foerster was not expected to play again this season unless the Flyers make the postseason. His absence has left a monster hole in the lineup.

Foerster was hurt on Dec. 1 while attempting a one-timer in the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins. As he followed through on his shot, he immediately dropped to the ice and winced in pain. He then skated off hunched over and holding his right arm.

At the time of his injury, Foerster led the Flyers in goals (10) and was tied for the team lead in power-play goals (three) and game-winners (two). He also had three assists while skating in 21 of the Flyers’ first 25 games. Known for his shot and quick release, he led the Flyers and ranked 18th in the NHL, among skaters who played in at least 15 games, in shooting percentage (.244).

Foerster was coming off a career-high 25 goals last season and had scored at least 20 in each of the last two campaigns before 2025-26.

“He’s a guy like [an Alex Bump], they’re [shot-first] guys. We desperately need those guys,” Tocchet said Tuesday. “He’s a guy that can come off the wall. And [he’s] even out there ripping pucks. He’s just got that ‘it’ factor with the shot. Whether he comes back this year or not, I’m not quite sure, but he is definitely progressing in the right direction.”