Philadelphia Flyers Top Five Goaltending Prospects In The System

Prospect Number Two: Felix Sandstrom

Felix Sandstrom is also preparing for his first full season in North America. Selected in the third round of the 2015 draft, Sandstrom battled through injuries leading up to the 2018-19 campaign and finished out the year on a strong note. The Swedish goaltending prospect delivered a 2.16 GAA with a .911 SVS% in 19 contests on loan with HV71 in the SHL, leading the team and tying for 17th in the entire league in save percentage. Sandstrom received a game of action in with the Phantoms this past season, as well, making 40 saves on 43 shots and earning a victory for his efforts.

The Gavle, Sweden native has plenty of raw talent at his disposal. His lateral movements are tremendous, allowing him to make tough saves in any situation. Sandstrom has decent positioning to go along with it, too, and reacts to plays in front of him with lightening-like quickness. I liked his demeanor in-net in the lone contest with Lehigh Valley, as he never let any of the three goals get the best of him. I’m as excited as anyone to finally get to watch him work in the AHL, or ECHL if the Flyers opt to put him there, and can’t wait to see what he does.

Prospect Number One: Samuel Ersson

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Samuel Ersson over Sandstrom? Are you crazy?!” First of all, yes I’m very much insane, but Ersson could end up being the better player in the long run. The 2018 fifth-rounder had a stellar year in the Allsvenskan, posting a 1.95 GAA and .933 SVS% in 36 games with Västerås IK. All of his terrific performances eventually earned him several awards once the 2018-19 season came to a close, including Goaltender of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the league. He dominated at the Under-20 World Junior Championships, as well, with a 2.23 GAA and .922 SVS% in four contests with Team Sweden.

Ersson’s 2019-20 season has already gotten underway, as he helped Brynäs IF obtain a preseason victory over MODO Hockey with a 32 save on 35 shots outing. He holds all of the tools to become an excellent NHL goaltender with size, athleticism, puck-tracking skills, and IQ to round his game out. It’ll be up to him to reach his potential, but there’s no denying he has the highest ceiling of any Flyers goaltending prospect currently in the system.

I wouldn’t be surprised if any one of these guys became Hart’s backup in the future. They all are talented in their own rights and are worth keeping an eye on as the new season gets going.