The Flyers have taken advantage of having a plethora of top 90 picks in the past two drafts and done a solid job in restocking the prospect cupboard. German Rubtsov is a two-way center who plays with intelligence in all three zones…when he’s dialed in he’s highly competitive and strong on the backcheck...but one shouldn’t underestimate his offensive skills either. He has the upside to be a number two center…at worst he’ll compete for a third-line position in the future. Laberge was highly regarded by the Flyers and considered a solid first-round talent. He brings a pro shot, vision and puck skills…expect his goal totals to rise now that his wrist injury is fully healed, and once he learns to play a more competitive 200-foot game he’ll be a solid pro.
| RND | PICK | RNK | PLAYER | POS | CTY | HT/WT | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 22 | German Rubtsov | C | RUS | 6-2/180 | Team Russia U18 (Rus) |
| 2 | 36 | 30 | Pascal Laberge | RW | CAN | 6-1/175 | Victoriaville (QMJHL) |
| 2 | 48 | 42 | Carter Hart | G | CAN | 6-0/180 | Everett (WHL) |
| 2 | 52 | 36 | Wade Allison | RW | CAN | 6-2/205 | Tri-City (USHL) |
| 3 | 82 | 76 | Carsen Twarynski | LW | CAN | 6-2/200 | Calgary (WHL) |
| 4 | 109 | 87 | Connor Bunnaman | LW | CAN | 6-1/210 | Kitchener (OHL) |
| 5 | 139 | NR | Linus Hogberg | D | SWE | 6-1/185 | Vaxjo Lakers (Swe) |
| 6 | 169 | NR | Tanner Laczynski | C | USA | 6-1/200 | Lincoln (USHL) |
| 6 | 172 | NR | Anthony Salinitri | C | CAN | 5-10/170 | Sarnia (OHL) |
| 7 | 199 | NR | David Bernhardt | D | SWE | 6-3/190 | Djurgardens (Swe) |
Carter Hart had a terrific WHL season that saw him rewarded as the CHL Goalie of the Year...a rare feat for a draft eligible goalie. He has the skills and competitiveness to battle for the number one goalie position some day. Wade Allison was our favourite pick in the 50’s…he was simply a beast in the second half of the regular season and USHL playoffs, and has top-two winger upside….surprising that he didn’t go in the top 50.
Carsen Twarynski is one of the most competitive players in the draft…there will be no issues with his work ethic. A strong north-south skater...he’ll need to keep working on his agility and first step. He also has some puck skills and a decent shot.
Connor Bunnaman is another forward prospect with size who also needs to keep working on his feet, but he plays a smart game and has some offensive upside along with a competitive edge. Tanner Lacynski bounced back from the disappointment of not being drafted to have a terrific USHL season. He is a crafty center with solid playmaking ability. Hogberg isn’t a dynamic offensive guy but he defends and moves the puck well. Uses his stick and smarts more than his brawn, and is good with the puck. Salinitri is a little on the small side, but he’s quick and has some skill..if he plays he will have to be a point producer and not a bottom line player. Bernhardt has size, can move the puck and displays some puck skills. He’s aggressive and has a good shot, but the main concern would be with his hockey sense.
Grade- A: After stocking up on defencemen and a couple of undersized wingers with high picks in recent years, the Flyers picked up several forwards with a nice combination of size and skill, as well as the top goalie on many draft lists. The team has an impressive mix in its prospects crop.