Philadelphia Flyers Mock Draft 3.0
Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)
The Flyers’ disappointing 33-39-10 season puts general manager Daniel Briere in a tough position for this critical offseason. They finished last in the Metro division, but they also have 10 picks, including three in the first round. With those first-round picks, it is critical that he finds a young star-level center to pair with Matvei Michkov. This is critical to the future of the franchise and likely his own future on Broad Street.
But the most glaring hole is between the pipes. The Flyers had the worst goalie room in the NHL last season, so finding a reliable net minder, or 2, is incredibly important in this draft. This draft is fairly deep with goalie talent, and with the Flyers having 10 total picks, the team can take a top-tier goalie talent and make significant improvements without sacrificing a top-10 pick on a goaltender. This draft is all about building a contender one piece at a time.
Round 1, Pick 6: Caleb Desnoyers – C, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
There is so much smoke about the Flyers picking James Hagens or Brady Martin, but there is so much chatter around Utah picking Martin and Nashville picking Hagens, and I tend to agree on this. Desnoyers doesn’t fit the mold of what either franchise needs at the moment. He also fits because his brother Elliott Desnoyers is on the Flyers roster. Caleb plays a controlled center and is rarely out of position. His IQ on the ice is something that the Flyers sorely need. In 56 games for Moncton, he scored 84 points and was the playoff MVP, proving that he can not only perform but thrive under pressure.
The most impressive part of his game is that he doesn’t force plays; he reads the ice and controls the pace of play. This, in addition to his elite vision, great instincts, and off-puck reads, elevates his linemates’ play, which will mesh well with Michkov and allow both to reach their ceilings.
What separates Desnoyers and makes him the perfect fit for the Flyers is that he has thrived in a two-way role since Juniors, and has grown into a solid two-way player while winning internationally with the Canadian Juniors teams. Some may view this as a reach, but I do not. I see this as a strategic move bringing in a low-risk player with a high ceiling, who can bloom into a first-line center, who thrives in making other players around him better. The other names floating around may be flashier, but Desnoyers fits the Flyers’ style and is a perfect fit..
Round 1, Pick 22: Blake Fiddler – RD, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Defending the zone is also a huge need for the Flyers this offseason, and if you need that, look no further than Fiddler. He’s a 6’4″ defender who has a polished game that’s built on control and presence. As the son of longtime NHL forward Vernon Fiddler, he has been molded to be an NHL player his whole life, and it shows. He plays with control and patience, suggesting a maturity for his age. His game will fit the NHL well as he doesn’t play wreckless, chase hits, and is rarely caught out of position.
He was projected as a top 10 pick earlier in the season, but his numbers didn’t jump off the page in the WHL. But stats don’t tell the true story. His 10 goals and 23 assists in 64 games weren’t what the pundits were expecting from him, but that doesn’t tell the true story here. He logged critical minutes for Team USA in the U18 Worlds and played lockdown defense. He is the kind of player the Flyers have historically loved; he has a big frame, disciplined stick work, and a very high ceiling. He may not be the scorer we thought early on, but defensively, he’s one of the best in the amateur ranks.
Round 1, Pick 31: Joshua Ravensbergen – G, Prince George Cougars (WHL)
As I stated in the intro, the Flyers need a goaltender in the worst way. In fact, I think they need to get a couple just to have a solid rotation. Selecting a goalie in the first round is a stretch unless you’re getting a phenom, and I have seen one that does qualify as a phenom, Ravensbergen. He’s the right guy available right when the Flyers need one. He dominates with his size at 6’5″ and has a calm between the pipes that has made him nearly unflappable in the WHL. The one area of improvement is in his rebound control, but that’s a common trait amongst young goalies.
What sets him apart is his elite catching hand. He’s a right-handed catcher, which he uses as an advantage because of how uncommon it is, but when shooters try it, they find out that his still with glove is still unmatched. He’s been tested in critical games and has delivered time and time again. He plays with composure and confidence that is needed for an NHL goalie, and will require little development time to get to that place. If he can master rebound control fast, he will be a massive upgrade for the Flyers and a steady hand for a much-maligned goalie room. Is it a bit high to pick a goalie here? Perhaps, but he’s a special talent, and since he’ll be available here, best to grab him while he’s there.
Round 2, Pick 36: Mason West – C, Fargo Force (USHL)
In the second round, there will be an interesting prospect on the board in the West. He’s highly athletic, a former top-ranked high school quarterback, and now fully committed to hockey. His 6’6″ frame is just a part of the story; he has an incredibly high hockey IQ, and his skating is a huge part of his success. You wouldn’t expect that level of coordination from someone of his size, but his fast jump to the USHL tells you all you need to know. He’s still refining his physical game and quick decision-making, but his ice vision, anticipation, and two-way ability are undeniable. He’s a hard worker with a high motor, and again, his size makes demands that he get attention.
Is he a risk at this pick, maybe, but his raw talent is an incredible value at 36. He is a bit of a longer project than Desnoyers, but he has the ability and the work ethic to get to be the power player he should be.
Round 2, Pick 40: Henry Brzustewicz – RD, London Knights (OHL)
While this looks like the pattern from the first round, it’s not. Brzustewicz is a smart addition to the defensive pipeline for the Flyers. He’s also a right shot, but his strengths are his elite skating ability, excellent puck movement, and he offers an offensive surge from the back. His transition game and stretch the ice, creating scoring chances, is a perfect fit for the modern game, and his jump in points from last season proves this point.
The only thing Brzustewicz needs is time and confidence at the NHL level. Once he gets accustomed to the speed of the NHL, you’ll see how much his smooth stride and willingness to get active in the offensive zone can change an offense. He’ll need to work on his gap control and defensive awareness a bit, but that comes with reps at the pro level. Getting Brzustewicz is a solid move, getting a talented and mobile defenseman who can be a strong presence at the blue line for years.
Round 2, Pick 48: Shane Vansaghi – RW, Michigan State (NCAA)
Vansaghi was destined to be a Flyer. With his physical style, size, and tough mentality, he’s what Philly fans love to watch. At Michigan State, he dominated the boards and played much bigger than his 6’2″ frame would suggest. His strength, balance, and ultra-competitive motor are the things that separate him from other wingers at this draft position. Drafting a hard-nosed winger who has a very good shot and is a true pest to defensemen is never a bad idea, and he embodies all of this.
Since he is a bit older than the other prospects, he is a little more pro-ready and plays with a maturity that makes his path to the NHL shorter, though his ceiling might not be as high as others. The one mark on his game is that his skating isn’t as crisp as you’d like for a winger to be, but this can be refined, and the Flyers will have a plug-and-play 2-way player who loves to seal off the boards and impose his will in the offensive zone.
Round 3, Pick 68: Filip Ekberg – LW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Ekberg is an incredible value at pick 68. His high-end skill and dynamic offensive upside make him a great pick this deep in the draft. The one knock on him is his size, being 5’10” and 165lbs., but his exceptional skating, hockey IQ, playmaking, and ice vision overcome any size concerns there may be. Ekberg plays with fearless competitiveness and relentless pressure, which fits the Flyers’ style to a tee. His skill level shows that he should be a second-round pick, but his size has scared off many other teams. The Flyers can get the steal of the draft by picking up Philip Ekberg.
Round 5, Pick 132: Mikkel Eriksen – C, Färjestad BK J20 (Sweden)
Eriksen at pick 132 is a fantastic late-round add for the Flyers. This two-way forward plays a relentless high pressure game that shows off his competitive motor and smart habits. Erickson’s proven scoring touch and versatility at the center position or wing make him a high-value pick and a plug-and-play prospect that will quickly climb the Flyers’ system.
Round 5, Pick 157: Sean Barnhill – RD, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Picking Barnhill at 157 is an absolute heist by the Flyers. At 6’5”, he has a rare combination of exceptional skating and dexterity. Barnhill excels at shutting down rushes and boxing out opponents, which makes him a reliable presence on the defensive end. His immense potential and defensive reliability make him the perfect long-term project for the Flyers’ defense.
Round 6, Pick 164: Elijah Neuenschwander – G, HC Fribourg-Gottéron (Switzerland)
The Flyers could add some promising depth at the goalie position with Neuenschwander at the tail end of the draft. He consistently uses his size and good technical Foundation to challenge shooters, showing his dedication to his craft. Neuenschwander will be a long-term project, but he offers incredible upside for goalie depth, which is something the Flyers sorely need.
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Steve Hamilton
Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible, we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.
