Many hockey experts predict that Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa should be two of the top three picks in this year's draft. Most upper-level picks are expected to be North Americans with a few solid Europeans thrown into the mix.
As far as drafts go, this is not expected to be filled with a ton of top-tier talent. Instead, there are a number of players who could provide solid depth for teams, but might not be the game changers you could be hoping for.
With the Flyers sitting at sixth in the draft, what prospects could potentially fall into their lap? Is there anyone who could fill an immediate need, or are these players who will more than likely need a few seasons to develop in juniors or the AHL? The team has a bunch of needs. Who makes sense at sixth?
Now, this is not a mock draft, although experts are now weighing in on their varied opinions about who Daniel Briere may choose. And to be fair, a lot of that could depend on what teams above the Flyers do. There is always the possibility that one of them could make a boneheaded pick and choose someone nobody thought of, which will throw the whole draft board out of whack. Maybe someone will trade down or trade up.
We're going to leave goaltenders out of this because there isn't any consensus top-level goaltender in this draft. Yes, the Flyers really could use a great goalie, but they aren't going to find any worthy of the sixth overall pick. Now, with one of the other two first-rounders or four second-rounders, Briere can pretty much have his choice. Joshua Ravensbergen seems to be the top goalie prospect, but he could be chosen sometime after 20. He may be the only netminder taken in the first round. In that respect, he might be worth keeping an eye on.
Defenders
When it comes to defense, everyone knows the Flyers need help. A lot of that could also come down to whether the Flyers hang onto Cam York or not, how Rasmus Ristolainen heals from his injury, and whether any prospect is ready to jump to the NHL. Either way, it never hurts to restock the cupboards.
However, after Matthew Schaefer, there is a BIG drop-off in talent at defense. This is not a strong defensive class. You might find a few good picks in the second round (Luka Radivojevic from Slovakia, Theodor Hallquisth from Sweden, or Kurban Limatov from Russia), but with the sixth pick, this could be slim pickings for Philly.
Jackson Smith of the Tri-City Americans has been a fast-rising prospect this year, but he is projected in the 10-15 range. Sixth might be too early. The NHL ranks Radim Mrtka as the second-best North American defender. Even then, he is predicted to go somewhere around 9-12. Logan Hensler, another Team USA prospect, is also projected to go around the same time. These guys might be great if they start slipping, and could be worth keeping an eye on. It also depends on whether there is a run at defense, which allows other guys to slip down too.
Forwards
Barring a trade or some unseen insanity at the top of the draft, Misa is going to be gone. So, who could be available?
Roger McQueen is a popular mock pick as he has the size and skill the Flyers would like to have. He'd probably go higher if not for his injury history. Because of Nolan Patrick's injury history a few years ago, Briere may want to pass on this one. Anton Frondell is one of the best prospects playing in Sweden and is widely regarded as the top international prospect. If he slips to sixth, the team shouldn't hesitate to select him.
Boston College has been a good hunting ground for Flyers scouts over the last few years. If center James Hagens slips out of the top five, he could be a very likely pick for Philly. If you don't want to go to Beantown, the brother of a Flyers prospect could be a good place to look. Caleb Desnoyers, younger brother of Elliott, has been lighting up the QMJHL all season, including leading all players in scoring during the playoffs. It is possible that having both brothers together could elevate their abilities.
Jake O'Brien will likely be the third or fourth selection in this draft, depending on what happens with Frondell. However, if he is available, don't discount him being chosen. Same thing with winger Porter Martone. Sweden's Viktor Eklund has been a rising prospect, especially with a solid showing in the under-20 tournament (7 G, 4A in 11 games).
Now, how many of these guys are NHL-ready? Who knows? I guess that depends on what the training camp shows us. We'll just have to see what develops.