PHILADELPHIA, Pa – The Philadelphia Flyers center position has been in flux in recent years. Sean Couturier did not play last season and only played in six games the year before. Jay O’Brien, a first-round pick in 2018, is out of the organization since the Flyers decided to not offer him a contract. Tanner Laczynski hasn’t stayed healthy after only playing in 38 games since the 2020-21 season.
Goalie Carter Hart #79 of the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers drafted three centers in this year’s NHL draft but their first of the three wasn’t until the third round. The Flyers did not draft a center last year, but the Flyers selected left winger Cutter Gauthier (5th overall) in with the intention that he will play both wing and center. Until he plays for Philly Gauthier will be at Boston College.
In our prospect rankings Kevin Hayes has been traded to St. Louis, Morgan Frost has been promoted from our list. Today we look at the top center prospects the Philadelphia Flyers for 2023.
Tanner Laczynski – Until Laczynski plays enough games to move off our list, or the Flyers decide to cut or trade Laczynski he will still be here but barely. Don’t expect him ot be here much longer especially since the Flyers look like they will be moving on from him on way or another.
Cutter Gauthier – Next year Gauthier will be at the top of this list. As mentioned before, Gauthier will only be in Boston College for one more season then go pro. He already has all the tools to be in the NHL right now, and the Flyers need him to be in South Philadelphia soon rather than later. We anticipate Gauthier will be playing for Philly for a very long time to come, regardless of which position he ends up playing full time.
Elliot Desnoyers – A 42 goal season in major juniors with Halifax turned heads, but his play in the AHL with Lehigh Valley showed why he just might make the parent club in training camp The Flyers can’t wait to see what he can do at the NHL level. Once he makes the Flyers roster, getting him out of it might be tough.
Use CodePHN15 – Sit back, stay awhile
Denver Barkey – Drafted in the third round, Barkey looks like he could be a steel He scored 22 goals for London (OHL), and if it is one franshise in major juniors that the Flyers know well it is London. He plays with a high motor and has skill and grit.
Cole Knuble – Also drafted in June was the son of Ex-Flyer Mike Knuble in the fourth. He scored 50 goals in two seasons with Fargo of the USHL. He is a legit prospect not just because of his last name. Next year he will be a Notre Dame.
Brian Jennings covers the Philadelphia Flyers for prohockeynews.com and can be found on twitter at @Flyersfan22.
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