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Flyers 2021 Seventh Round Selection: Owen McLaughlin

By Collin Coyne |
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 07: An official game puck rolls on the ice during the first period of a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center on March 07, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 07: An official game puck rolls on the ice during the first period of a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals at Wells Fargo Center on March 07, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

With their seventh round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers went into their own backyard, drafting PA native Owen McLaughlin from the USNTDP.

McLaughlin is an interesting case, being drafted out of high school, where he put up 54 points in 33 games for the Mount St. Charles Academy. The Academy is one with a highly prolific history of excellence, but the total lack of competition comparative to other prospects is no doubt a major part of what had him falling to the seventh round. And, while he did suit up for the US National Development Team, he failed to register a point in 11 games with both the juniors and under 18 teams.

The small centerman has had his athleticism praised, with his skating ability and motor being some of his best qualities. Described as a possession forward, he likes to do his work with the puck on his stick, where he can make use of his quick directional changes and great hands. Generally, his IQ is not something that is questioned, working the walls and moving the puck around well.

The first big issue he faces is simply how small he is. While 6’0” is a good enough frame for a center, he weighs in at only 165 pounds, which is staggeringly light for a forward. Playing against talent he would find in other leagues, he would likely be bullied off the puck and unable to make use of his talents.

McLaughlin is simply too much of a question mark when it comes to projecting him to the NHL. He absolutely needs to bulk up if he’s going to be successful, and his low quality of competition make predictions impossible. He is committed to play at Penn State, but is not set to join the team until the 2022-23 season. First he will be heading to the USHL to play for Sioux City.

The kid from Chester County has a lot of talent, but was too much of a wildcard for other teams to call his name. Potentially a case of hitting draft eligibility a tad too early, McLaughlin has the tools to become a gem from the final round. This coming season should show whether or not his time at Penn State will truly mold him into an NHL forward for the Flyers.

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