NHL Draft: Biggest Busts in Philadelphia Flyers History
By John Gove
NHL Draft: Biggest Busts in Philadelphia Flyers History
Although a lot of it is done behind the scenes, a great deal of hard work goes into preparing for the NHL Entry Draft. Organizations spend countless hours of scouting and research to make sure that they select the right player when it is their turn to draft. Regardless of how much preparation a team does, nobody can predict whether or not a young prospect will develop into a star in the NHL.
Whether it is due to lack of work ethic, hitting a wall in progression, or suffering a career-altering injury, some players just don’t live up to the expectations placed upon them when they are drafted. We like to call these players “busts” and every NHL franchise has had their fair share of them. Today we will take a look at the biggest busts in Philadelphia Flyers history.
Darren Rumble
The Flyers selected defenseman, Darren Rumble, with the 20th overall pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Although he came to the league with a pretty sweet name, Rumble spent most of his time playing in the AHL. He was given a few opportunities to prove himself at the professional level; but never demonstrated anything worth discussing while on the ice.
Claude Boivin
Philadelphia selected left-winger, Claude Boivin, in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. Boivin was a great player in the AHL but could never show the same amount of skill in the NHL. He was the epitome of a professional minor-leaguer.
Glen Seabrooke
In 1985, the Flyers selected center, Glen Seabrooke, with 21st overall pick in the draft. Seabrooke never really got the opportunity to prove himself at the professional level due to a brutal shoulder injury he suffered by crashing into a goal post in the AHL.
Steve Smith
The Flyers drafted defenseman, Steve Smith, with the 16th overall pick in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. Smith played a decent career in the minor leagues; but only recorded 18 games in the NHL.
Maxime Ouellet
The list continues with goaltender Maxime Ouellet. The Flyers selected Ouellet 22nd overall in the 1999 draft. Maxime played a grand total of twelve games in the NHL
Bob Currier
If you take a trip way back into the Flyers history books, you will see Bob Currier’s name. Currier was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers 6th overall in 1969. He never played a single game in the NHL. Hockey-Reference does not even have a page on this guy, and that is saying something!
Ryan Sittler
Ryan Sittler was taken by the Flyers with the 7th overall pick in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. Injuries prevented the young man from ever being able to play in the NHL. One can only hope that the 7th overall pick treats us a little better this time around.
And there they are ladies and gentlemen, the biggest busts in Philadelphia Flyers history. The list could certainly be longer so let’s at least be thankful for that. Here’s to a bust-free draft for the orange and black this time around!
Mar 21, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Philadelphia Flyers celebrate a first period goal by forward Claude Giroux (28) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Next: Top Five First Round Picks in Flyers History