PHILADELPHIA = As the clouds rolled in over the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, for the 2015 NHL Draft, many rumors, whispers, and much excitement were to follow. None of this however, was steering Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall from his philosophy: to rebuild around youth. When Hextall began his career as the General Manager in 2014, he made a statement at a press conference. He shared his plan and has held with it. Through the years in Philadelphia he has kept to that promise. This is similar to his strategy with the Los Angeles Kings organization, from 2006-2013, where 
he began his management career and helped lead them to a Stanley Cup in 2012. Dumping high paid contracts, trying to balance out the salary cap, and adding strength, speed, and youthful players has been his motivation to strengthen his current Philadelphia roster. Was anyone thinking he would do anything else but, at this Draft?
With the seventh pick in the first round, Ivan Provorov was selected. A defenseman drafted from the Brandon Wheat Kings [WHL], whom Philadelphia had a close eye on. Consecutive interviews, one at the Combine, and several thereafter, lead to the decision. Defense is deep within the organization, with many talented players who have not touched foot on NHL ice yet. The decision with Provorov was a given. He was the best player left to choose in the draft. Provorov was hoping the Flyers picked him and stated he is ready for NHL ice. “I’m going to do anything I can to make the team. I’m going to work hard this summer and at the main camp and see what happens there,” Provorov proclaimed with confidence in his first official interview in a Flyer’s jersey. With that attitude, he just might be an asset to next year’s roster.
As Round one continued; Travis Konecny removed the gum from his mouth, placed it in the wrapper, and passed it to his mother with extreme confidence that Philadelphia traded their 29th pick plus their second round 61st pick with Toronto to move up to the 24th pick to acquire him. As captain of the Ottawa 67’s [OHL], Konecny has speed, skill, and character. He also received the first ever E.J McGuire Award of Excellence during the draft from Central Registry. All of which the Flyer’s philosophy entail. “He has the heart of a lion and that is huge for us. The Philadelphia Flyers are about character. The size he is… if he didn’t have huge character, he wouldn’t be in the position he is right now,” Hextall reflected on Konecny.
Provorov and Konecny played as teammates in the top prospect game. Philadelphia has given them the chance to play together again.
As the draft progressed, Hextall addressed another issue within the organization: goaltending. With three drafted goalies now acquired in the system: Felix Sandstrom (No. 70) from the Brynas Jrs. (Sweden), Matej Tomek (no. 90) from the Topeka Roadrunners [NAHL], and Ivan Fedotov (No. 188) from the Nizhnekamsk Jrs. (Russia) there is hope that Hextall has changed the teams deficit at goal-tending into a surplus.
In addition, Hextall made the following selections in the 2015 NHL Draft: forward Samuel Dove-McFalls (No. 98) from the Saint John Sea Dogs [QMJHL], Mikhail Vorobyov (No. 104) a center from Ufa Jrs. (Russia), David Kase (No. 128) a right winger from Chomutov Jrs. (Czech Republic), and Cooper Marody (No. 158) a center from Sioux Falls Stampede [USHL]. Only time will tell, if these future Flyers are the key pieces to a stronger foundation for the future.
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