It wouldn’t hurt for the Flyers to add another power-forward to their farm system with Matthew Strome and Ratcliffe in the AHL and Wade Allison’s future with the organization looking somewhat uncertain without an Entry-Level Contract and Ethan Keppen can fill that role and then some. Keppen is 6’2, 214-pounds and utilizes his big frame to wreak havoc on opponents with a physical style of play.
The 18-year-old left-wing prospect netted 59 points (30 Goals, 29 Assists) in 68 games for the Flint Firebirds in the OHL this past year, which tied for second on the team in total scoring. This was a 41 point increase on his rookie campaign with the Firebirds in just five more games played, showing he could handle a more prominent role with the struggling squad. His physical nature does get the best of him sometimes, though, as he led Flint in penalty minutes with 67.
If something is moving on the ice and isn’t one of his teammates or a referee, Keppen will hit it. The guy almost thrives on punishing the opposition and would be a favorite amongst the Flyers fan base if he makes it to the NHL. As I said before, he’ll need to tone it down a bit so he doesn’t put the team at a disadvantage, but I still like to see players who use their body to break a play up or to anger the opposition.
Hitting isn’t the only thing Keppen does, as he applies his strength to power through defenders. He’s an excellent net-front presence for that reason and is tough to move once he establishes a position in front of the goalie. Keppen is also a willing and relentless fore-checker who makes it hard on rival players to keep the puck with a strong-willed work ethic. His shot is hard and accurate, as well, but could work on releasing it at a quicker rate. I wouldn’t call him a slow skater by any means, although he could be a more effective player if he focuses on improving his top-end speed.
Fletcher and Assitant GM Brent Flahr should key-in on prospects with speed over physicality, but as you can see above, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if they came away with a power forward or two when the draft concludes. Whatever happens, the Flyers prospect pipeline will have new faces when the final name is called on June 22nd.