Flyers 2021 Draft Options: Cole Sillinger
By Colin Newby
The Philadelphia Flyers have secured the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held virtually on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24.
This year’s draft promises to be unique in many ways, largely due to chaotic NHL scheduling necessitated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The dominos will begin to fall leading up to the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft, scheduled just two days prior to the Entry Draft.
Cole Sillinger, Center, Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)
Center Cole Sillinger is projected by most mocks and draft experts to be selected between picks 10-20 in the first round. The 6-foot-0 center starred as a rookie in the Western Hockey League in 2019-20 before complications surrounding the pandemic ultimately led him to the USHL.
He succeeded following the move, recording 46 points in 31 games for the Stampede in 2020-21. Mike Morreale, staff writer for NHL.com, complimented Sillinger’s “vision and playmaking ability” in the USHL that add to a talented shot consistently already praised by scouts.
Sillinger has drawn comparisons to center Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets, who was drafted seventh overall in 2011. Scheifele’s development at the NHL level progressed slowly, and the 18-year-old Sillinger will likely experience similar growing pains. However, the identification of such a reputable NHL comparison sets a high ceiling.
The Right Choice for the Flyers?
Prospect Morgan Frost is heavily involved in trade rumors, and former second-overall pick Nolan Patrick has struggled to find his true stride at the NHL level. Uncertainty surrounding the organizational depth chart at center should persuade general manager Chuck Fletcher to consider Sillinger as an attractive option down the middle.
Sillinger was selected by the Flyers in the simulated mock draft held by The Hockey Writers last week. He was touted for his intelligence on the ice and high hockey IQ in the THW’s draft prospect profile series. The development of these skills would benefit a team whose forward group collectively struggled to find continuity in their 200-foot responsibilities last season.
He is also the son of former NHL center Mike Sillinger, who spent parts of two seasons with the Flyers in 1997-98 and 1998-99 amidst a 17-year NHL career.
The Flyers have established precedence in selecting USHL prospects in recent history with the respective selections of defenseman Cam York and winger Bobby Brink in the first two rounds of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.