Philadelphia Flyers’ 30 Greatest Draft Picks

29. Dave Schultz

Drafted: 5th round, 52nd pick in 1969 NHL Entry Draft

Written by: Ryan Walsh

During the 5th round of the 1969 draft, the Flyers may not have known that they were drafting one of the most iconic fighters in the history of the National Hockey League, but they most certainly got their money’s worth. In the 1970s, the Philadelphia Flyers gained the moniker “Broad Street Bullies,” one which has stuck with the team throughout history, but no player represented the bully mentality more than Dave Schultz. He was referred to as “The Hammer,” (affectionately by fans and fearfully by those whom he faced) for his aggressive style of play and his penchant for getting into fights on the ice, and Schultz still holds the NHL record for most penalty minutes in a single season, at 472, which averages to over six minutes per game in the 76 games he played that season.

Schultz, along with our number 28 draft pick Don Saleski, became part of a bunch that was known as the “Broad Street Bullies”. These players were aggressive and rough on the ice and took no prisoners when it came to hits. His career ended as he aged and wasn’t able to maintain the same presence on the ice as he did with the Flyers. Schultz retired from hockey in 1980 and will always be known for his ability to throw down and gets in players’ faces to intimidate them.

Next: Number 28: Don Saleski