The Philadelphia Flyers were one of the top teams in the Metropolitan Division for most of the 2023-24 NHL season. However, they blew that chance and ended up missing the playoffs entirely.
At this point, the Flyers are just focused on the future. They were sellers at the deadline because that has been more important to them all along.
There was no time during the 2023-24 season that anyone thought the Flyers would shave off some of the future for one little playoff run in the present day.
The 2024 NHL Draft is going to be a great way for the Flyers to add more to their organization for the future. There are even a few players hidden in this draft that could play in the NHL next season.
The Flyers rightfully are going to continue to worry more about the future
The Flyers are going to have two picks in the first round. They have their own and the one given to them by the Florida Panthers.
The one that is their own will likely land right around the 12th overall pick. They can use that to get a very good player if they are smart.
One player that they should have their eye on might need a trade to happen to land him. He likely won't be there at 12 but if they could use some of their other assets to move up a handful of spots, they might be able to be in the right range.
That player is Zeev Buium of Denver. He is an elite defense prospect who just won a National Championship with the Pioneers. It was an incredible year for him as he surely raised his draft stock.
If they want to draft an impact player like that and trade up for him, they'd be adding another stud defenseman to their organization.
In 2023-24, while playing very well defensively, he had 11 goals and 39 assists for 50 points in 42 games played. It was a wonderful year for him en route to the championship.
In addition to that Frozen Four experience, he also played in the World Junior Championships where he was one of the youngest but most spectacular players. In seven games there, he had three goals and two assists for five points en route to the Gold Medal for Team USA.
Everywhere this kid goes, winning follows. It is worth thinking about making a bold move like this as the Flyers look to continue building for the future. Buium will be great in the future.