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Flyers expect seamless Coburn return: ‘He’s a freak that way’

New York Rangers v Philadelphia Flyers - Game Four

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 25: Braydon Coburn #5 of the Philadelphia Flyers stretches during warms-up against the New York Rangers in Game Four of the First Round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 25, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

The Philadelphia Flyers will welcome defenseman Braydon Coburn back into the lineup as they face the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

Despite missing 12 games with what might have been a fracture in his foot from blocking a shot, Coburn is expected to be up to speed right away, at least according to what head coach Craig Berube told CSNPhilly.com.

“For us, playing a fast team like Colorado he can really skate and defend,” Berube said. “That’s how I look at it. He can fly. He’s out there skating and it looks like he hasn’t been off.

“He has that ability to really move no matter what. He is always in great shape. He’s a freak that way.”

Coburn, 29, will replace Carlo Colaiacovo. If the team skate is any indication, he’ll pair up with Luke Schenn.

Coburn averaged about 22 and a half minutes per night the last two seasons, so he could make a meaningful impact on a Flyers defense that doesn’t look very impressive on paper. Steve Mason will likely appreciate that, as he’s set to make his fourth consecutive start.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins