Flyers Draft Matthew Gard at 57, Add a Physical Center Built for Philly
CHL Images
Daniel Briere has made one thing crystal clear coming into the draft: the Flyers were in need of bigger, more aggressive players.
The Flyers made a trade with the Seattle Kraken, sending picks 36 and 68 and getting back picks 38 and 57.
With the 38th pick, they took Carter Amico, an enormous defenseman who loves physical play, and with the 57th pick, they took Matthew Gard, a center built like a freight train with the attitude to match. He plays a physical game, making opponents think twice before trying to play physical up the middle.
Looking at the size element, Gard is 6’5″ and does not waste an inch of it. He’s not just a big, strong guy; he has a very solid offensive game as well. He’s not skilled on the level of the first-round center pick, Jack Nesbitt, but he has enough skill to be a solid 3rd line option.
He led the Rebels in scoring, including four game winners. He’s constantly matched up against the opponent’s toughest player and is a +/- monster. That is the kind of two-way center Philly that can be placed on the third line or the second penalty kill and win.
He loves to bang bodies along the boards, tie up sticks, and do something that is a must for the type of play the Flyers want to go with moving forward. Goalies are going to hate seeing him coming at them. Gard can tip pucks, jump on rebounds, and cause the kind of chaos that is something missing on the Flyers.
On the defensive side, he shuts down top lines and moves with complete confidence in the defensive zone. He prides himself on his shot blocking ability as well, and well as wins loose puck battles more often than not. He plays smart, physical hockey that just fits this city. Daniel Briere wanted to make the Flyers tougher to play against, and with Gard, he just added a center who brings muscle, grit, and a no-nonsense style perfect to wear orange and black.
Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
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.
1 thought on “Flyers Draft Matthew Gard at 57, Add a Physical Center Built for Philly”