PHILADELPHIA, Pa – There use to be certain things in life that were a given: Death, taxes, and the Philadelphia Flyers drafting a center. It took some time, but the Flyers went back to well at the NHL Entry Draft by selecting three centers with their first four selections. The Flyers had a dire need to draft down the middle of the ice, especially since the departure of Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers. Since Giroux was traded away, the Flyers have a dire need for someone to win face-offs. Only Sean Couturier has a win percentage over 50%.
The talent pool down the middle of the ice has been sorely lacking in recent years. The Flyers have taken centers with their first round picks going bac to 2016(German Rubtsov, 2017(Nolan Patrick), 2012 (Scott Laughton), 2011 (Sean Couturier), 2006 (Claude Giroux), and 2003 (Jeff Carter and Mike Richards), poor drafting such as kept the Flyers from descended from the playoffs in recent years..
Today we look at the top Flyers prospects as of 2024 in the Flyers organization.
Jett Luchanko – It didn’t take long for the Flyers to draft a center in this years draft by taking Jeff Luchanko, a speedy center the Guelph Storm(OHL). His numbers wont wow anyone with only 20 goals and 54 assists in 68 games but Luchanko’s development will go a long way to becoming a Flyer sooner rather than later.
Jack Berglund – Because of the week talent pool in the Flyers system, it isn’t a shock to see that all of this year’ draftees are already at the top of the Flyers system for centers. The Swedish center has good size 6’ 4”. His numbers won’t pop off the page but his skill should.
Heikki Ruohonen – According to Elite Prospects.com, the scouting report on Heikki Ruohonen is he is a “two-way center who drives play, pushes the pace and has some power forward qualities. He uses explosive weight shifts to beat defenders to the inside. Outworking opponents for body positioning and using contact as an advantage.” The USHL prospect will eventually go to Harvard and play for Finland in the U-18 tournament.
Cole Knuble – The son of former Flyer Mike Knuble, Cole had a solid season at Notre Dame with 20 points in 36 games and is desired as a potential bottom six forward.
Ryan MacPherson – In order to round out the top five prosepcts we had to look for a sixth round pick in last year’s draft. MacPherson has looked solid in three season at the BCHL and GOJHL(Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League) levels. Seeing him at a ligher level of competition will go a long way towards his future in professional hockey.
Brian Jennings covers the Philadelphia Flyers for prohockeynews.com and can be found on twitter at @Flyersfan22.
You must be logged in to post a comment.