PHL Anon
While there is a lot of buzz and interest right now in Ben Simmons and the Sixers, let’s not forget about the team that captured us and took us on an exciting run this year. While I expect the Flyers to take a step back this year as they continue to rework the roster and look towards the future, it’s still a time to be excited for the future of the team.
As Friday’s NHL Draft approaches, we know Flyers general manager Ron Hextall will be looking to add scoring talent to this roster, most likely at the wing position. The good news? The Flyers have 10, possibly 11, picks in the upcoming draft, and will be loaded to add a ton of talent to the prospect pool.
The following five players will be realistic names that could be available when the Flyers select 18th overall Friday night. So, I won’t be naming the top five all-around talents in this draft. Sorry to crush your pipe dreams.
So here we go, the top five targets for the Flyers in this year’s draft:
Clayton Keller, Center/Left Wing
Keller is a strong skater with a powerful shot, displaying jaw dropping skills and hockey sense strikingly way above his years. Keller will bring you out of your seat while leaving amazed as he keeps opponents off balanced and often times embarrass them. He’s schooled amateurs of all ages; U.S. college seniors, European stars, NHL-bound Canadian juniors; it doesn’t matter with this kid. He’s a hard-nosed, fearless player with a lot of flash, but he’s been Team USA’s leader and go-to option for every critical situation – defensive zone draws, killing penalties, gaining entry into the offensive zone, etc. Does he have franchise potential? Let’s just put it out there that he’s nearly produced as much as Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews did with the NTDP. So, he doesn’t suck. Keller is also nearly a year younger than Matthews, who set the NTDP scoring record a year ago with 117 points. Keller will need to add muscle to his frame going forward though, as he can get knocked around by bigger defenders at this point. He needs to strengthen his core in order to improve his balance and be more effective in the corners and in front of the net.
Tyson Jost, Center/Right Wing
A smart, strong player with excellent vision and a great shot, Jost is absolutely the “real deal.” He is a goal-scorer that carries out plays as quickly as he envisions them. He creates a lot of energy as an offensive catalyst and also sees the ice very well with a willingness and determination to win battles in the tough areas. All-in-all, a dynamic offensive forward with top-6 potential at the next level.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSibzYk9U6I
Julien Gauthier, Right Wing
Once thought of as a top 10 pick, Gauthier has regressed some, thanks to the rise of other draft-eligible players. Gauthier has a rare combination of size (6-foot-4 and 225), speed, and accurate shot. He has dominated in the CHL during his time there. With his size, he is very hard to defend, as he can use a variety of means to make plays, whether it’s taking advantage of his long reach, or making good passes from different positions. Gauthier can beat you in many ways. Despite an early injury, Gauthier still tallied 41 goals in 54 games.
Kieffer Bellows, Center/Left Wing
Bellows is listed at 6-feet and 196 pounds, but he plays much bigger. He fully embraces the role of a power forward, and does it very well. He has the ability to push the physical side of the game, but he also has the hands and scoring ability of top scoring prospects. He netted 50 goals with the US National Team Development Program last year, and ended the season with 81 points and 101 penalty minutes in 62 games. The young forward has it all. He can skate very well, win board battles, get to the front of the net, deliver crisp passes to his teammates and put the puck in the back of the net with the best of them.
Max Jones, Left Wing
Max Jones is a hard-working power forward capable of being an impact player every shift. He’s strong on the puck and routinely looks to create separation. Strength and speed allow him to bull his way to the front of the net where he is relentless and creates havoc. Makes smart decisions with the puck and doesn’t give the opposition time and space. Possesses high-end finishing ability. A determined forward who puts tremendous pressure on his opponents when he’s on the ice.
[H/T to All About the Jersey, The Hockey Writers, Burgundy Brigade, Canucks Army]