Steve Mason won't be between the pipes for Monday's home opener against the Florida Panthers.
Flyers general manager Ron Hextall said the netminder is out of the lineup because he's dealing with a "personal family matter." No other details were immediately available.
With Mason out, Michal Neuvirth is slated to make his first start as a Flyer. Veteran Jason LaBarbera is expected to be recalled from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to serve as Neuvirth's backup.
After the morning skate at the Wells Fargo Center, Hextall told reporters he doesn't get the impression that Mason's absence will be long-term but did ask the media to respect Mason's privacy.
Mason, 27, was pulled from Saturday's embarrassing 7-1 loss to the Panthers in Sunrise, Florida. He allowed four goals on eight shots, exiting the game after just 6:46 of ice time.
Neuvirth, who signed a two-year deal this summer, made his Flyers debut in relief, turning aside 19 of the 22 shots fired his way.
The 27-year-old is 3-7-2 with a 2.82 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in 16 career games against the Panthers.
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The Flyers also play at home on Wednesday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. It's unclear if Mason will rejoin the team by then.