With Columbus electing to keep their 2024 second-rounder, the Flyers had to wait until midway through to make their first selection. It was the compensatory pick given to them with Jay O'Brien not being signed before his rights expired.
And with that pick, the Flyers continued to load up at center with the selection of Jack Berglund out of the Swedish leagues. As an 18-year-old, Berglund dipped his toes into the SHL, Sweden's top league, but spent most of his time on Färjestad BK J20 in the J20 Nationell. The numbers don't pop off the page, 15 goals and 34 points in 41 games, but there are things to like about his game.
At 6'3" and 209 lbs, Berglund uses his size to his advantage to shield opponents from the puck and drive to the net with force. On the flip side, Berglund had a strong defensive game as well. He tends to be the first forward back in coverage and uses that size and reach to tie up opponents in battles against the board.
Flyers stick at center, take Swedish forward with strong two-way game
Berglund's ceiling isn't necessarily high and it's tough to project if he can be a center at the NHL level. His offense is a work in progress but he showed some potential in his short eight-game SHL stint. Berglund also played rather well for Sweden at the U18 Five Nations tournament. He posted three goals and four points in three games. His three goals came in a 6-5 win over Finland, the first game of the tournament. Berglund played well at the World Juniors as well. He had five points in seven games at the WJC. He was a key part of their bronze medal finish.
His skating could use some work and he doesn't necessarily excel in one specific area. Berglund isn't going to do things that knock you off your feet. He is steady in what he does even if his ceiling is potentially a bottom-six forward. But watching his ability to weave in and out of defenders and force his way to the net shows the potential he could have if he hones in on it.
Jack Berglund scores his first of the tournament after a strong individual effort. 5-1 Sweden. pic.twitter.com/hPElkSaQ9k
— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) April 27, 2024
The Flyers have a clear plan to begin this draft. They want to make sure they have plenty of center depth in the pipeline.