Philadelphia Flyers: Notable mid-20’s picks in franchise history

The Philadelphia Flyers have only drafted 23rd overall one other time during their long history. So what kind of players have they taken around that mark?

Most of the time, you don’t truly know what you’re going to get in a draft pick. A first-round talent could end up floundering while a late-round pick ends up surprising everyone. The Flyers have picked in the 20’s numerous times during the franchise’s history. If they keep their current first-round draft pick, it will only be the second time they have taken a player 23rd overall.

That takes us all the way back to 1972 when they selected Tom Bladon. He had a decent career for the Flyers, posting 67 goals and 230 points in 463 games. Bladon did become the first defensemen in NHL history. to post four goals and four assists in a game. He also was a record +10 that game, something no other player has ever done.

The Flyers have drafted close to the 23rd spot numerous times. Most notably, they took Claude Giroux with the 22nd pick in 2006 and traded up to take Travis Konecny 24th overall in 2014. Both have had excellent careers thus far in Philadelphia.

In what is considered to be a deep draft, the Flyers would likely have the opportunity to take a talented player with that pick. That is if they choose to keep it. Considering this is a deep draft, they could dangle that pick in a deal for a player that could help now. Maybe for Patrik Laine even?

That one is probably a pipe dream, but the pick could serve them well depending on how they use it. Other teams have been able to find future stars with the 23rd overall pick. Though, we have to go back to 2015 to find the first one in Brock Boeser. Two years prior, Andre Burakovsky was chosen. And then back in 2006, Semyon Varlamov was drafted.

Players that have been projected around that 23rd overall spot include right-winger Jacob Perreault, defenseman Justin Barron, and left-winger Jake Neighbours. Perrault is touted for his speed and ability to control the game. Barron, while not flashy, is solid in just about every area of the game. And Neighbours is versatile and can adapt to any situation thrown his way.

There is a slew of other players ranked similarly depending on whose ranking system you look at. It appears that the Flyers should have a solid crew to choose from if and when the time comes for them to use their draft pick.