NHL Draft: Philadelphia Flyers Draft Day Options
The 2015 NHL Draft features two generational players in Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. Unfortunately, both will be long gone before the Philadelphia Flyers pick at number seven.
The good news for Philadelphia is that they have two first round picks in one of the deepest drafts we have seen in recent years. This is a pivotal draft for the Flyers who have missed the playoffs two of the last three seasons. Below, we take a look at a few scenarios that could take place on draft day.
Trade picks for a defenseman:
It was easy to see that the Flyers defense struggled mightily last season. However, due to Philadelphia having an immense amount of defense prospects in their system, it is very unlikely that the Flyers use the 7th overall pick on a defenseman.
One way to acquire a top flight defenseman would be to package one of their first round picks. We saw this same scenario with the New Jersey Devils in the 2013 draft. The Devils needed a successor to Martin Brodeur and packaged the 9th overall pick to Vancouver for Cory Schneider. Ironically New Jersey might make a good trading partner for the Flyers.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Adam Larsson (5): Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Devils have a logjam of young defenseman and may be willing to part with one for a draft pick or a goal scorer. Young defenseman Adam Larsson might be a legitimate option for the Flyers. Larsson may not warrant trading a top ten pick; but if the Flyers package a late first round pick and some type of goal scorer it might peak the Devils interest. In Larsson the Flyers would receive a young defenseman that has huge upside and can be inserted into the lineup immediately. The issue is that New Jersey might not be willing to trade within the division.
Trade up:
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There is no way that
or
are going to part with their top two selections; but there are still other quality players in this year’s draft. Both
and
maybe be willing to move back a few spots to accumulate more picks.
If the Flyers think highly of Dylan Strome or Mitch Marner, they may be willing to move up and get one of them. If the Flyers think highly of a player and think that he can be a difference maker, the best play is to be aggressive and go get him.
Stay put:
For fans this is by far the most boring scenario. Unfortunately, it is probably the most likely. The reality is that any team with a top ten pick is a team with a lot of holes. They have the luxury of having two picks in the first round and could use them to build for the future.
Teams that are consistent winners in the NHL have great scouting departments and draft well. The draft is the best way for teams to find young, cheap talent. If Ron Hextall can hit on both first round picks and find some sleepers in the later rounds, the Flyers would be better off in the long run. Dealing picks for immediate results isn’t always the best way for long term success in the NHL.
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