What will Flyers do with Brandon Manning when Gudas returns?

CHICAGO - Brandon Manning's strong play may make it difficult for the Flyers to take him out of the lineup when Radko Gudas' suspension ends.

Manning, a 26-year-old defenseman who plays with an edge, was solid in the first two games and, as a bonus, contributed three assists.

"He's shown steady improvement," coach Dave Hakstol said Tuesday before the game with the Blackhawks. "Last year was probably the first time he's been able to get into a stretch of games where he's in the lineup and knows what his role is. . . . This year, we're just seeing the next step in his development, and it's positive."

Gudas has three more games left on his suspension. Michael Del Zotto, another defenseman, is…