A Good Year for Flyers’ Picks from the 2020 Draft
The 2020 season was tough for the Flyers, their players and their fans, but it may have been even more disruptive to prospects and hopefuls. The Flyers selected five players in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Each of them tried to push their way closer to their NHL dreams in a season rife with covid complications.
Tyson Foerster | 1st Round | 23rd Overall
Foerster had a productive season in the AHL, at nineteen years old and his first season as a professional. In twenty-four games the former first round pick collected 17 points including 10 goals. His 10 goals were second best on the squad despite setbacks from a fractured shin bone and shoulder injury during the season. As little more than a yearling, in a men’s league, this is a very promising start to his pro career. While an NHL roster spot this fall would be surprising, Foerster may be in Philly come spring if he continues to develop his skating and produce offensively
Emil Andrae | 2nd Round | 54 Overall
Andrae was able to make the leap to the top league in Sweden this season, playing 31 games for the SHL’s HV71, who have since been relegated. Unfortunately, that was about all the good news for the undersized defensemen. He was later loaned by HV71 to Västerviks IK who play in the HockeyAllsvenskan league, the second-tier league in Sweden. Andrae did not have a season of particular note and looks no closer to a Flyers pro contract, or to North America. It looks like Andrae is still several seasons away, if ever, from being a useful piece for the Flyers.
Zayde Wisdom | 4th Round | 94th Overall
Wisdom and his family’s struggles through poverty was the story on draft night, rather than his perseverance and his play. In a post Covid world Wisdom was able to sign a professional contract putting the poverty narrative to rest and making his play the story. Like fellow rookie Foerster, Wisdom suited up against men in the AHL at Lehigh Valley. Much like Foerster he acquitted himself well, finishing with 18 points, good for third on the Phantoms.
Given some of the skating concerns and conditioning issues in his past, this season had the potential to be a rough or even a waste for Wisdom, but his efforts last year are among the most encouraging from the 2020 draft class. It will be exciting to see what he brings in 2021 after a full season of conditioning and professional hockey under his belt. While not the same pedigree as Foerster, Wisdom stands a chance of being called up around Christmas depending on injuries and his increased production.
Elliot Desnoyers | 5th Round | 135th Overall
Desnoyers was able to produce impressive scoring numbers this season in the QMJHL, finishing eighth in the league in points, and tops amongst his Halifax Moosehead team mates. Though listed as a winger by the scouting services, Desnoyers spent much time at center this season and was able to cash in, including two four-goal games. Desnoyers will be looking to dominate the Q even more so in his draft +2 season.
This season was a clear step forward for Desnoyers and fans and management alike should be pleased with his progression. Even with such encouraging results, he is likely a full junior season away from a professional debut with the Phantoms.
Connor McClennon | Sixth Round | 178th Overall
McClennon continued his development in a covid shortened 24-game season. The Flyers prospect potted 14 goals and 19 assists in the mini season. Any player taken in the sixth round is hardly a lock for an NHL roster, but McClennon’s performance last year has certainly not shut any doors. If McClennon can make a dramatic leap in his finishing, he could find his way into a Flyers jersey at some point. However, he is likely still a year away from even being considered for an ELC