Why Was A Western Conference NHL AGM Scouting Sunday's Phantoms/Bears Game?

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ALLENTOWN, Pa. - NHL teams sending scouts to an American Hockey League (AHL) game is commonplace.

At the PPL Center, for instance, there are usually a few scouts from a couple of teams at each game.

Keeping track of which teams are sending scouts to AHL games, and when, can be a foolhardy task and lead to rampant speculation -  especially if it's one of the 'regulars' in attendance. Using PPL Center as an example again, teams like Boston, Chicago, Minnesota & Pittsburgh have had their scouts in the northeast region regularly at Phantoms games to scout Flyers prospects as well as Lehigh Valley's respective opponent that night.

Something a lot less common, however, is when an NHL assistant general manager (AGM) is in the building. Such was the case Sunday when the Phantoms (PHI) hosted the Hershey Bears (WSH).

Interestingly enough, it came in conjunction with one NHL source telling Inside AHL Hockey to keep an eye on the Nashville Predators. Hearing the Preds are very active right now.

The NHL AGM in attendance at Sunday's game? Scott Nichol of Nashville, general manager of the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals - a team that neither the Phantoms or Bears would face unless it was in the Calder Cup Finals.

Now, that's certainly not to insinuate the Predators are in on the Claude Giroux sweepstakes or anything like that.

It's possible Nashville was scouting the Phantoms' opponent Hershey (WSH) for a possible trade between Washington & Nashville.

It's just ominous, timing-wise, to last season leading up to the trade deadline when the Predators began heavily scouting Phantoms games. Of course, the Preds and Flyers later made a deal with Philadelphia acquiring Ryan Ellis. GM Chuck Fletcher, in media availabilities after the trade, had referenced that the talks with Nashville went back quite awhile.

If nothing else, there is history there. And while it may end up being something that doesn't affect the Flyers organization it's certainly worth keeping an eye on this time of the year.