Philadelphia Flyers’ 30 Greatest Draft Picks

30. Bobby Clarke

Drafted: Second round, 17th overall 1969 NHL Entry Draft

At the time, there was speculation that Bobby Clarke wouldn’t be healthy enough to play in the NHL.  There were rumors that he was diabetic but doctors stated that as long as Clarke kept his diet healthy, he would be able to play. After he was picked in the 1969 Entry Draft, he had a difficult start to his NHL career. Clarke had two serious seizures and the Flyers coach Frank Lewis helped to craft a dietary plan to keep Clarke from having any more incidences. It paid off and Clarke played every game of his first NHL season. Yet his statistics weren’t spectacular as hoped with only 15 goals, 31 assists for 46 points.

The next three seasons saw people forget about Clarke’s diabetes but saw him post up the best numbers of his young career- 35 goals, 46 assists for 81 points. He was a fast skater, quick with a puck and a leader among the Flyers team. Clarke was made a captain and helped to lead his team to Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. He won the Hart Trophy in 1973, 1975 and 1976. Clarke also was selected for the All-Star team four times and was responsible for the Flyers playing an aggressive style of hockey. His selection to the Hockey Hall of Fame solidified him as a great draft choice for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Next: Number 29: Dave Schultz