Report: Briere expected to start season as non-roster/injured

It looks like Danny Briere won’t be available for the season opener due to a hairline wrist fracture. In fact, he might not even start the campaign on the Philadelphia Flyers’ 23-game roster, according to CSN Philly’s sources.

The source suggested that the Flyers will list Briere as “non-roster/injured.” That wouldn’t spare Philadelphia of his $6.5 million annual cap hit, but it would give them an extra spot on their 23-game roster.

That would allow them to keep Tommy Sestito going into Saturday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Briere is also expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, but he might be available after that.

Meanwhile, 2012 first-round pick Scott Laughton is projected to be part of the Flyers’ opening game roster.

Laughton has 33 points and 32 penalty minutes in 32 OHL games this season and has impressed Flyers coach Peter Laviolette.

“It’s just been practices for the most part, but the kid can skate well, and make plays. He’s a smart player,” Laviolette said.

Of course, even if he makes the Flyers’ roster, he will have to work hard to stay with the team past the initial trial period.