Philadelphia Flyers: Future stars taken in 2015 NHL Draft

With the pick earned from the Coburn trade, the Flyers used that and a later pick to move up in the first round. They traded up to the 24th pick in the first round to select Travis Konecny. It was clear that Ron Hextall saw something in Konecny and jumped at the chance to draft him.

Konecny was a star during his junior career and possessed many skills that would help any team. And he was extremely hard to play against. During two full seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL, Konecny collected point totals of 68 and 70. He scored 26 and 29 goals respectively. He also shined on the U18 Canada squad in 2018, positing five points in seven games.

He earned a spot on the OHL’s First All-Rookie team, had the most goals and points by a rookie, and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2013-14.

During his final junior season, Konecny split time between Ottawa and the Sarnia Sting. He amassed over 100 points, finishing eighth in the entire league. Making his NHL debut with Provorov, Konecny appeared in 70 games during his rookie season. He impressed with 11 goals and 28 assists. The team allowed him to play for Canada at Worlds. He posted eight assists in 10 games.

Konecny has gotten better and better as each NHL season has progressed. He was in the midst of a career season before the pause. He had tied his career-high of 24 goals but had more than broken his total in points. His season earned him a spot on the NHL All-Star team for the first time in his career.

Konecny has developed into the shoot-first player that the Flyers have been looking for. Trading up to draft him continues to be one of Hextall’s finest moves.