Brandon Manning replaces injured Nick Schultz for Flyers

OTTAWA, Ontario - After sitting out back-to-back games as a healthy scratch, Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning returned to the lineup Tuesday in Ottawa, replacing the injured Nick Schultz.

Manning acknowledged he had gotten into a good rhythm by playing six straight games before being benched.

"But it's part of the game and you just have to make the best of it," he said before the Flyers faced the Senators.

Schultz was injured when he was leveled by the Rangers' 6-foot-5, 220-pound Dylan McIlrath on Saturday. He took part in the morning skate Tuesday but was not ready to play.

After absorbing the hit Saturday, Schultz missed nearly the last 50 minutes in the Flyers' 3-0 win at Madison Square Garden.

Manning was reunited with Shayne Gostisbehere. They had been paired for six games before Evgeny Medvedev returned to the lineup.

Medvedev, who was paired with Gostisbehere in the previous two games (both wins), was matched with Luke Schenn on Tuesday.

Flyers prospects Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim were chosen for Canada's World Junior selection camp.

"It's a great experience for the kids," general manager Ron Hextall said. "Hopefully, they both make the team and play big roles, but one way or the other, it's a great experience. If you grow up in Canada, you know the importance of it - not only to Hockey Canada, but for the country, so it's a huge stage for these kids."

Konecny, a speedy winger, visited with Hextall and the Flyers at the morning skate. He plays for Ottawa's junior team and has 39 points, including 33 assists, in 25 OHL games.

"It's really exciting news - something I've worked for and hopefully I can make the most out of it," Konecny said of the invitation.

Konecny, 18, drafted in the first round (24th overall) in June, hasn't set a timetable for when he hopes to join the Flyers.

"Just one day at a time," said Konecny, who figures to get a long look during next year's training camp. "I'm working to improve and looking to do whatever I can to impress."

Hextall is pleased with both players' development but said they need to get stronger and fill out before reaching the NHL.

"We're not going to push kids [too soon], but if kids are ready, we're not opposed to kids coming in," he said. "We have a number of guys next year who I believe will at least be pushing" for jobs.

Injured forwards Ryan White and R.J. Umberger are "possibilities" to return Friday in New Jersey, said Hextall, who added that Sam Gagner, another injured forward, did not make the trip but is "progressing well."

- Sam Carchidi