Philadelphia Flyers 2021 Sixth Round Selection: Ethan Samson

With their sixth round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers have drafted the defensive defenseman out of the WHL, Ethan Samson.

Samson is one of the few draft eligible prospects who saw time in North American this past season, playing in 22 games for the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. In these games, Samson saw significant time due to the weak defensive corps of the team, and was able to pile up 12 points.

One benefit of Samson’s situation is the fact that the Cougars have been struggling mightily in his time there, and thus Samson sees time in all situations as the team’s number one defenseman. In fact, his 12 points led the team’s defensemen, and was one point shy of being the team’s highest scorer entirely.

Despite only being 6’1”, Samson weighs in at 194 pounds, something he makes great use of in the physical game. All his strengths are highlighted in the defensive zone, with him using his size liberally, but smartly, as he can keep himself out of the box, logging only 10 penalty minutes in his season.

He has the motor to perform well, and occasionally makes plays, both breaking out and in the neutral zone, that show flashes of a greater talent that can be sitting below the surface. Still, he is an incredibly rough prospect, and it is difficult to say how he will project as a potential NHL player, not something uncommon for sixth round picks.

General scouting had him mocked to go somewhere in the sixth or seventh round, so the Flyers selection here makes sense, and his right hand shot is something that likely pulled him up, as quality right handed defensemen come at a premium in the NHL.

While certainly a project, Samson has enough talent that Chuck Fletcher saw fit to take him at 174th overall, and his team’s poor performance may certainly be hiding some deeper talent he may possess. As he looks to step up into a leadership position and truly lead the Cougars this next season, he is a prospect to keep note of.