2022 NHL Draft - Flyers Version (#5 Overall)

[pilldoc]

It is that time of year where the NHL Draft will soon be upon us.   If you are reading this thread then that means the Flyers are once again out of it and our hope lies in some ping pong balls.

 

When is the 2022 NHL Draft Lottery?

Date: TBA

Start time: TBA

An exact date for the lottery has not been determined yet. But it will occur after the 2021-22 regular season is over and the 16 non-playoff teams are determined. 

 

The NHL Draft is set for July 7 so it will happen at some point before then. 

 

Changes for this year:

There will be two draws, one for the No. 1 pick and one for No. 2. After that, the order will go based on where team's finished the season. This is a change from three drawings in the past for the top three picks. 

One of the two new rules that will be implemented this draft is that teams will be restricted from moving up more than 10 spots if it wins one of the lottery draws. So whichever teams that are slotted between No. 12-16 cannot get the No. 1 pick. 

 

The other is that teams cannot win the lottery more than twice in a five-year span. Any wins in the lottery prior to 2022 will not be counted toward this total, so 2022 marks the beginning of any team's five-year period. 

 

After the first two picks have been determined, the rest of the field will be slotted in order of where they finished in the standings. This ensures that the team with the worst record cannot fall any further than third.

 

Current Odds:

 

 

Who would you like the Flyers to Draft?

 

Assuming if Flyers get the #1 overall pick they most like will draft Shane Wright.....

 

However, what if they draft #2 thru #6 who would you most want the Flyers to draft? A specific player or BPA?  I will list the top players available in a following post shortly.

Edited May 11, 2022 by pilldoc

[pilldoc]

Juraj Slafkovsky:

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/juraj-slafkovsky-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 6’4” Wt: 218 pounds
Shoots: L
Position: LW

 

He has a high upside, but could he get it done on the big stage and do it consistently. As for what he brings with his game, he’s a big kid at six-foot-four and around 220 pounds. At 18, he’s likely not done filling out. He has the potential to grow into a legitimate power forward by definition with his high-end offensive skill and his ability to engage in a big way physically. Call it a mean streak, but Slafkovsky’s size and physical edge makes him arguably one of the more dominant players in this draft — especially coming right out of the draft.

 

NHL Draft Projection

As mentioned, the Olympics played a role in boosting Slafkovsky’s stock as did his promotion to the Liiga. His size and strength will be a huge asset to any team that takes him and the offensive pedigree will only further develop with time. Where some have him as a top-10 pick, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Slafkovsky as a top-five — even top-three — pick in the draft. If the Olympics was any indication, he’s worth taking a waiver on.

 

Quotables:

“He’s an elite player by the boards where his puck protection ability has drawn comparisons to Jaromir Jagr.” – Western Conference Scout, Elite Prospects

 

“Juraj Slafkovsky has the tools to be a top six power forward at the NHL level. His reachability makes him a true threat in every puck battle and allows him to net separation to get past attackers and find passing lanes.” – Josh Tessler, Smaht Scouting

 

“Juraj Slafkovsky is a very, very special player. Incredible hands and mobility for a guy that’s as enormous as he is. I’ll be shocked if he’s not one of the first five players picked in the 2022 draft. He’s raw now, but the best-case scenario with him is sky-high.” Derek Neumeier, Future Considerations

 

Strengths

Strength and size

Strong board play

Puck possession and protection

Elite level shot

 

Under Construction – Improvements to Make

Speed and skating

Neutral zone recognition

Offensive zone entries

 

NHL Potential

The ceiling for Slafkovsky is incredibly high. With his size and strength, he has the potential to turn into an elite power forward at the NHL level and become a mainstay in an organization’s top six. There are some small holes in his game, but nothing that can’t be fixed with experience and maturity, but all the tools are there to work with.

Edited April 15, 2022 by pilldoc

[pilldoc]

Simon Nemec

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/simon-nemec-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 192 pounds
Shoots: R
Position: D

 

Nemec is an outstanding, two-way, puck moving defenseman. The thing that stands out the most in regards to his play, is his poise and confidence when he’s on the ice. Every decision he makes is with conviction as he displays high-end hockey sense. Even if he’s facing a great amount of pressure or makes a high risk move, he doesn’t panic as he has excellent patience and control. He has great body positioning and does a great job of evading and fending off opposing players, when in that situation. 

 

Nemec is a very smooth skater with excellent movement as he does an outstanding job of setting up an attack with his zone entries. Even if there isn’t an open lane, he’s able to quickly assess his options and find the open space in order to gain entry in the offensive zone with his quickness and mobility. He’s very deceptive, as he does a great job at drawing in the opposition and can turn on a dime with his edgework and create space for him to carry the play forward. There are times, where it may not be the cleanest entry and he may be quickly surrounded by the opposition, but he’s always trying to get something going. Even if the play gets broken up, he does a nice job to try and recover the puck and maintain possession

 

NHL Draft Projection
Based on the rankings that are out now, Nemec is slated to no doubt be a top-10 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. However, where he goes is anyone’s guess. Some outlets have him outside the top-five, while some­ – including here at The Hockey Writers– see him in that range based on his skillset and potential alone. If he continues to impress, it would be hard not to take him within the top-five.

 

Quotables
“He’s a highly-skilled, puck-moving rearguard that has no problem putting up the points, even in the top men’s Slovak league. However, it’s his movement of the puck that is his stand-out quality. Whether it’s with his feet or with a pass, Nemec is relied on heavily by his team to get the puck up ice and he does so with relative ease. He’s a smooth skater, with a fluid, powerful stride and a good mix of crossovers in his movement.  He can be a bit of a risk-taker, but the potential that Nemec shows is very much top-10 worthy.”– Josh Bell, FC Hockey

 

“His understanding of space is excellent and he uses his vision as well as his high hockey IQ on both the defensive and offensive sides of the puck. Defensively, he has great gap control and is great from a positioning standpoint, often disrupting passing lanes just by being in the right spots and using his stick properly. Offensively, he is extremely smart with super-precise passing ability. Nemec takes risks at times, but they often pay off.”– Samuel Tirpak, Dobber Prospects

 

“Nemec deploys excellent gap control in the corners and in medium danger situations. In my viewings, I noticed that he keeps good pace with the puck carrier behind his own net. Stays on him and doesn’t open up a gap as the puck carrier shifts from right to left along the boards. You’ll notice that he is quite physical in the corner, puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the attack and puts his stick blade to the puck to navigate the boards once asserted enough pressure.”– Josh Tessler, SMAHT Scouting  

 

Strengths 
Skating and mobility
Passing abilities
Strong in transition
Poise and hockey IQ
Defensive awareness

Under Construction- Improvements to Make
Risk taker
Consistency with puck control at times 

NHL Potential
Nemec has the potential to be a real impact two-way defender at the NHL level. Teams covet right -handed shots and he’s one of the best in this class, as he already has the poise and confidence. He’s an impact player that can do damage in any situation. He’s a top-pairing, power play quarter-back and shut down defender on the penalty kill. There’s no doubt that he’s going to have a bright future based on his ability to get better against tougher competition.

[pilldoc]

Logan Cooley

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/logan-cooley-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 5-foot-10 Wt: 174 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center

 

Just like Matthew Savoie, if Shane Wright wasn’t part of this draft, Logan Cooley would have a chance to go first overall. In fact, when Wright was “struggling” at the beginning of the season, there was talk of him actually being selected ahead of the 6-foot-1 Burlington, ON native. Not so much now that Wright is putting on a show in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Kingston Frontenacs where he’s on pace for 95 points

 

That certainly doesn’t mean you should overlook Cooley though. The two-way monster has been impressive this season in the USHL with the United States National Development Team (USNTDP), where he is 11th in even-strength points (16) among prospects in their draft year and tied for third in first-assists (10) behind only Frank Nazar and Dylan James. Then, to finish it off, he’s second to Nazar in total primary points per estimated 60 minutes of time on ice (P1/e60), generating 3.93 P1/e60.

 

Cooley will succeed in the NHL due to his complete game and Selke Trophy-like qualities. He doesn’t only thrive in the offensive zone, he can make elite plays in the defensive zone too. Combined with his faceoff ability, diligence to a 200-foot game, smart stick and high hockey IQ, he is someone every aspiring Stanley Cup winner wants on their team and every coach wants on the ice in key situations.

 

Committed to the University of Minnesota where he will join fellow USNTDP teammates Cruz Lucius, Ryan Chesley and Jimmy Snuggerud as freshmen in 2022-23, we will soon find out if his elite toolkit translates to the next level against older and stronger players in the NCAA.

 

NHL Draft Projection

After Wright, Cooley should be the next player off the board. Ranked second overall by most major scouting outlets, he’s one of those special players that could be ready to play in the NHL right off the bat. Like his Canadian counterpart, his mature two-way game is NHL-ready. It remains to be seen if he comes over right away or stays in the NCAA like 2021 first and second overall picks Owen Power and Matty Beniers did after they were selected by the Buffalo Sabres and Seattle Kraken respectively. Regardless, he won’t be without a team very long after the clock starts on the 2022 Draft in July.

 

Quotables
“Logan Cooley’s style of play is one which every team in the NHL could use on their roster. He’s an extremely talented two-way forward, and where he may lack in size to some, he certainly more than makes up for it by playing an extremely mature game in all areas of the ice. Cooley can be trusted in every situation, regardless of how the game is playing out. His two-way game is arguably amongst the top of the class, if not already sitting atop the list.” – Paul Zuk, Smaht Scouting

 

“Cooley is an exceptional puckhandler. Having placed himself on the radar last season with his ability to make quick, intelligent plays in traffic that were already quite demanding of high-level puck skills, Cooley has since taken his puck skills even further. He is a constant threat to attack the slot, able to navigate through several defenders to do so. When attacking with speed, he is often able to throw a quick fake upon a defender and find space towards the middle of the ice, despite the defence’s desire to force him outside…” – Sam Happi, McKeen’s Hockey

 

“…There is nothing enigmatic about his game, and Cooley has a penchant for creating scoring chances from scenarios most would deem untenable. The best way to understand or appreciate his craftiness is by observing the manner in which Cooley enters the offensive zone and how he utilizes all four members of his on-ice support to create quality scoring chances from any spot in opposing territory. He’s poised, mature, calculated, and inventive.” – Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst

 

“I think I have the skills, hockey IQ, and play-making abilities, stuff like that…But I think it’s just gonna come down to my physical strength. I’m not the tallest and strongest right now, but I think that comes with developing my body and I think once I can do that, and have a big summer, hopefully it could be in the conversation. Hopefully I can make the jump right away, that’d be pretty cool.” – Logan Cooley

 

Strengths
Two-way game
Work ethic
Puck handling
Hockey IQ
Wrist shot
Creativity

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
Size and strength

NHL Potential
Cooley has the potential to be a high-scoring two-way center who can play both the power play and penalty kill and be matched up against the top lines in the NHL. At 5-foot-10, he might not be as impactful physically as Aleksander Barkov or Jonathan Toews, who are 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-2 respectively, but his hockey sense and elusive nature will make him effective nonetheless. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won a Selke Trophy or two before his NHL career was done.

[pilldoc]

Matthew Savoie

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/matthew-savoie-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 5-foot-9 Wt: 179 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Center

 

The 2022 Draft has a trio of centerman taking up residence at the top of the leaderboard. Shane Wright, Logan Cooley, and the subject of this prospect profile, Matthew Savoie. In fact, that could be the order they go in when all is said and done on July 7.

 

Comparing the three, Savoie might be the most offensively gifted with his speed, silky smooth hands and premier playmaking abilities. The former first-overall pick by the Kootenay Ice in the 2019 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantum Draft was criticized earlier this season for his lack of 5-on-5 production, as most of his points came with the man advantage. Though, lately, he’s turned it around in that respect as he now has 17 goals at even strength and 11 on the power play.

 

Without a doubt, Savoie is a premier threat with the extra man as his elite vision often finds the stick of a teammate. While he has been known to pass more often than shoot (possibly too much at times), his wrist shot is hard and accurate, which just adds to the threat he already is on the power play. Special teams are where he’s going to generate most of his points in the NHL, but he will have to continue to develop his game at even strength in order to maximize his potential when he gets there

 

The fact that he’s already done it against NHLers (albeit in a 4-on-4 tournament in the offseason) like Jake DeBrusk, Brandon Hagel and Jordan Martinook, bodes well for his future. In that tournament, he looked comfortable especially in the semifinal when he was one of the most noticeable players on the ice.

 

“Savoie just exploded,” said Tyrel Spitzer, his former coach and the event organizer. “He just went to a whole other level. He was so dynamic with his speed, his shot, his playmaking ability. He was relentless…I’m used to seeing this against his peer group or maybe the junior-level players. All of a sudden, he’s doing this against NHL- and AHL-level players. It was like, ‘Oh my goodness. This is incredible’” (from ‘For 2022 NHL Draft ‘offensive dynamo’ Matt Savoie, stardom has always been inevitable’ Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 3/24/22).

 

NHL Draft Projection
If the well-rounded Wright and Cooley weren’t part of this draft, I could easily see Savoie going first overall. He’s just that good. He not only can beat you with a quick deke or burst of speed but also brilliantly set up someone as well. When he’s on the ice, opponents can’t just focus on him, they have to make sure to cover his wingers and defencemen too or he will find them with a precise pass. As it is, he probably will get taken third or fourth overall behind Wright, Cooley and maybe even Simon Nemec if a team feels they desperately need a top-pairing defenceman.

 

Quotables
“Savoie works the perimeter really well, and has the stickhandling, vision, and IQ to set up a large amount of scoring chances for his teammates. His confidence is also clear with the way he moves around the ice and isn’t afraid to push the pace. The only problem is, he does force a lot of passes that don’t always hit. He doesn’t turn the puck over in dangerous ways very often, but there are times where momentum can be lost due to a missed pass. But there’s a way he can improve without changing much about his game.” – Kyle Pereira, Last Word on Hockey

 

“Savoie is like a gnat in the offensive zone. He’s always buzzing around, and no matter how many times you swat at him, he won’t go away. You can’t stop Savoie from making plays in the offensive zone, you can only hope to contain him. He’ll pester you on the forecheck, create turnovers, attack the puck, and constantly keep his feet moving. Part of what makes Savoie so much fun to watch is that it seems as if he’s never content with standing around. He has to move around and keep changing the angles and lanes for the defense, slowly wearing them down until they make a mistake and he can strike.” – Matthew Somma, Smaht Scouting

 

“There isn’t a player in this draft class whose game thrills more than Savoie’s does. Inside the offensive zone, he’s lethal. He’s got extremely quick side-to-side hands that help him beat defenders one-on-one off of cuts. He’s got an NHL shot (which he can place with pinpoint accuracy from a bad angle and rip by a goalie clean from a distance, but he also loves to change up and slide five-hole). He’s excellent in traffic because of his craftiness and maneuverability into scoring spots. He’s a standout skater with underrated (I can’t stress this enough) explosiveness that allows him to win races and separate in transition…” – Scott Wheeler (from ‘NHL Draft ranking: Scott Wheeler’s top 64 prospects for 2022’, The Athletic, 11/3/21)

 

Strengths
Playmaking
Vision
Creativity
Shot
Skating
Edges
Willingness to go to the net

Under Construction (Improvements to Make)
Tendency to pass when he should shoot
Defensive game

NHL Potential
Savoie has the tools to become an elite top-line forward in the NHL. It remains to be seen if he stays at center ice when he makes it there, but even if he’s a winger, he will still be a threat to score 90-plus points in his prime. His speed, vision, shot and playmaking abilities will make sure of that. If he gets to play with a legitimate goalscorer, the sky’s the limit for the St. Albert, AB native. Tony Ferrari recently likened him to Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning, which could in fact be what he becomes one day. He just won’t be drafted in the third round, that’s for sure.

[pilldoc]

David Jiricek

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/david-jiricek-2022-nhl-draft-profile/

 

Ht: 6-foot-3 Wt: 190 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Defense

 

If you were the general manager of an NHL team and you were looking to add a steady, all-around defenseman, you’d be hard-pressed to find a player who can contribute in all areas of the game the way that David Jiricek can. Hailing from Czechia, Jiricek started his hockey career playing for HC Plzen’s youth team in his hometown.

 

Offensively, he’s extremely skilled when it comes to patrolling the blue line, be it at even strength or on the power play. He’s one of the most explosive skaters among defensemen, and while his acceleration needs some work, he’s a hard player to slow down when you factor in his size. His edgework is very good and he also possesses what I believe might be one of the best shots among defensemen in the 2022 draft class. Whether it’s a booming one-timer or a deceptive wrist shot, Jiricek’s point shots typically end up in the back of the net before you can blink.

 

Defensively, he has elite gap control when it comes to boxing out incoming opponents. He’s incredibly hard to shake off when he’s chasing the puck carrier, and he uses his frame at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds to his advantage. While he’s not a Scott Stevens clone on the back end, he’s certainly not known to shy away from laying a big hit every now and then. Watching him play, I see similarities between Jiricek and Detroit Red Wings star rookie Moritz Seider. Both are right-handed defensemen at roughly the same height and weight, and both can impact the game in just about any aspect.

 

Draft Projection
To me, the clear-cut top two defensemen in this draft class are Jiricek and Slovakian blueliner Simon Nemec. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, but Nemec likely has the edge, and with the amount of talented forwards at the top end of this draft class, it’s probably a safe bet to say Jiricek goes in the top-10. However, if a team likes what they see enough, it wouldn’t shock me to see him sneak into the top-5.

 

Quotables
“Mobile defender with good size and a bomb of a shot from the point. Plays a physical brand of hockey and has the potential to contribute in a variety of ways as an NHL defenseman.” -Nick Richard, Dobber Prospects

 

“Jiříček has good puck tracking ability. He does an excellent job scanning the ice and moving his body around the offensive zone at the same pace as his opponents’ puck movement. The Czech defender reacts quickly to puck movement, if he spots a loose puck coming up the boards towards him, he shifts his hips and knees in a pivot to trap possession of the puck.” -Josh Tessler, Smaht Scouting

 

“Jiricek is an exceptional two-way defender that shows a strong transition ability. He reads the play so well, playing like a veteran defender well above his age. He regularly shows very impressive reads, noting where players are and correctly attacking or hanging back as needed.” -Josh Bell, FC Hockey

 

Strengths
Strong two-way game
Physicality
Shooting
Skating and edgework
Gap control

Under Construction – Improvements to Make
Decision making
Accelaration

NHL Potential
Make no mistake, Jiricek has all the tools to become an effective, top-pairing defenseman in the NHL someday. Whether or not he can put those tools to work in North America remains yet to be seen, but assuming he can, he’s got all the skills to carve out a long NHL career.

 

[pilldoc]

Connor Geekie

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/conor-geekie-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 6-foot-4 Wt: 205 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center

 

The younger brother of Seattle Kraken forward Morgan Geekie, Conor Geekie possesses one of the most unique skillsets in the 2022 NHL Draft. Few players combine his size and an elite offensive toolset like him. He is a dual-threat, able to beat you with elite playmaking and a fantastic shot, all while possessing the high-end hockey IQ needed to effectively use these skills. On a Winnipeg Ice team that features another 2022 first-round projected player in Matthew Savoie, and a 2021 first-round pick in Carson Lambos, Geekie still stands out because of his high-end talent.

 

As a lock to go in the first round, it is still unclear where Geekie will be drafted in July. Currently, on pace for 73 points in 66 games this season, he’s fourth in points among players under-18 in the Western Hockey League (WHL), and that offensive upside could see him drafted in the top-10. However, there are legitimate concerns about other areas of his game, which could see him land outside of the top-20.

 

Most of Geekie’s issues stem from his poor skating. He’s just an average skater at the WHL level, making him a below-average NHL skater, and this can hold him back. His stride is clunky as he doesn’t bend his knees enough, and he lacks the power in his stride you’d expect from someone with his physical tools. Offensively, it makes him a mediocre player in transition who struggles to carry the puck through the neutral zone and gain zone entries. It also means he isn’t a great play driver, and he needs someone to carry the puck for him. Once the puck is in the offensive zone, Geekie can do a lot of damage, but he needs someone to do plenty of leg work, making him a passenger at times.

 

NHL Draft Projection
Geekie could be drafted anywhere from the top-10 to the mid-20s, as some teams will be enticed by his size and skill, while some will be put off by his weak skating and defensive inconsistencies. He will likely have a longer development path than some other first-round draft picks, so whoever drafts him will have to commit a lot of development time to him, which could see him fall later in the first round.

 

Quotables
“Geekie has drawn a lot of interest from NHL teams because he’s a 6-foot-3 center with a high skill level. With his hands and reach, he’s able to consistently maneuver pucks through sticks and legs to create chances. He’s a competitive big man who doesn’t shy away from physical contact and combined with his skill that makes him tough to deal with down low and strip the puck from in general. Geekie can make plays and run a power play, showing good vision and finish from the perimeter. His main flaw, like his brother Morgan’s was, is his skating. He’s a better skater than his brother and can separate occasionally at the WHL level but doesn’t project to do so in the NHL. Geekie projects as a quality top two line center.” – Corey Pronman (from, ‘The 2022 NHL Draft ranking: Pronman’s Top 32 Prospects at the midseason mark,’ The Athletic, Jan. 19, 2022)

 

“If I were an NHL team with a top 20 pick, I would hesitate to draft Geekie. It’s easy to be enamored with the size and skill, but under the surface, you have a player that’s going to take a long time to get to a top-six role at the NHL level. Geekie could easily peak as a third-line player in the NHL, which, in this scout’s opinion, is not worth a top 20 pick. Again, the upside is there, but there are a lot of holes in Geekie’s game that could limit his effectiveness at the NHL level.” – Matthew Somma, Smaht Scouting

 

“Geekie is a very skilled forward. He has the tools and the toolbox. He’s a dual-threat offensive player, with a fantastic shot and high-end playmaking abilities. Not to mention, he tends to be one of the smarter players on the ice for both teams when he is playing. But the high-octane hockey he plays leads to unnecessary mistakes and a loss of momentum for his team. Additionally, Geekie needs to work on his skating a lot if he wants to translate his skills to the NHL level. ” – Kyle Pereira, Last Word on Sports

“Concerns about not playing inside the dots enough are legit, but as he matures and continues to get stronger, those issues will subside.” – Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet

 

Strengths
Hockey IQ
Playmaking
Shooting
Creativity

Under Construction — Improvements to Make
Skating
Defensive Consistency
Play Driving

NHL Potential
Geekie’s potential upside is huge. He could be a true number one center, who dominates games offensively with his size and skill. However, there are big improvements he needs to make before that happens. If he can’t make these improvements, he could top out as a middle-six player who always leaves fans wanting more. It will take him a while to reach his potential, but he should develop into a top-two line pivot, who puts up eye-catching offensive numbers while needing another center to take on the more difficult defensive matchups.

[pilldoc]

and just for giggles and comparisons sake .....

 

Shane Wright

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/shane-wright-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

Ht: 6-foot-1 Wt: 187 lbs
Shoots: R
Position: C

 

If you haven’t heard of Shane Wright, then you’ve probably been missing out as he’s been the potential top prospect in the 2022 NHL Draft since his time with the Don Mills Flyers in the GTHL.  After winning the OHL Cup with the Flyers, he was granted exceptional status and was drafted first overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Kingston Frontenacs and his impact was felt immediately. By comparison Wright had a better point per game average (1.14) than Connor McDavid (1.05) and was six goals shy of tying John Tavares’ goal production in their rookie seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. 

 

At the start of the 2021-22 season, there was some early concerns about his play and lack of ability to take control of a game. However, since December, Wright has been on fire. His presence is still felt as he’s top-15 among 2022 prospects with a primary point per game average of 1.05. His 39 total primary points is good for sixth overall with the games that have been tracked.

 

Early on in his draft year, he hasn’t displayed the wow factor or point production compared to McDavid or Tavares. In Bob McKenzie’s midseason rankings, scouts have questioned his sense of urgency and consistency. As of late, we’re seeing the Wright that many had expected. The points have started to roll in. From Jan.18 to now, he has 33 points in 22 games and has since been proving the doubters wrong. Regardless of what his point totals will be at the end of the season, Wright has all the qualities that make him a first-overall pick. 

Wright is a highly skilled and very responsible two-way center that possesses an offensive flare. The one thing that stands out immediately in his game is high level hockey IQ and decision making. He has a keen eye as he thinks and reads the game at a quick pace, being able to make snap decisions and catch his opponent off-guard, while rarely making a mistake in the process. Every decision he makes, it’s always the right one. He displays great confidence and poise with his movements, control and positioning when the puck is on his stick. He doesn’t rush anything and takes that extra second to re-evaluate his options, curling back and maintaining space for himself to get back into the attack.

 

Wright can do it all offensively. He’s a very smooth skater and has great agility and foot speed. He’s quick in transition as he’s always able to gain entry into the offensive zone with ease, being able to weave his way through defenders and drive hard to the net for a scoring opportunity. He owns a very lethal shot and has a powerful, quick and accurate wrist shot. This alone makes him dangerous on the man advantage when he sets up on his strong side. He has great hands as he’s able to make moves in tight spaces, all while making his way to the high danger area on the ice.

 

NHL Draft Projection
There has been some debate about whether Wright deserves to have the first overall label. Scouts have said that the gap for first overall has narrowed as it might be a closer race than expected. While that may be true, this is a player that has shown to be dominant as an under-age player, at the junior or international level. Despite the average production, Wright should still be the first overall pick no matter what.

 

Quotables
“He’s not an elite skater but he is a strong skater. His shot is excellent, and while some scouts believe he’ll have more goals than assists in any given NHL season, he’s also a very good playmaker who makes everyone he plays with better. He’s smart but he’s also got some grit in his game. He leads by example. Outstanding work ethic and character is viewed as A+.”– Bob McKenzie, TSN

 

“The Kingston Frontenacs star can do it all and it starts with his intelligence all over the ice. He reads the play at an elite level, finding space in transition as well as in the offensive zone, getting into passing lanes on the defensive side, and just generally being in the right place at the right time more often than not. Wright is a technically sound skater with good speed and the agility to weave through traffic or adjust to broken plays and come up with contested pucks.”– Nick Richard, Dobber Prospects   

 

“Wright is the primary puck carrier on his line as his decision-making and composure allow him to dictate play up ice reliably. Shane routinely stops or delays and looks for a passing option upon entering the zone. As a result, Wright enables his team to gain the zone and begin a controlled offensive possession nearly every time he leads the transition.”– Jordan Malette, SMAHT Scouting 

 

“It’s easy to see why Wright is seen as a future franchise player. He can do it all on the ice. He is an outstanding skater with excellent speed, acceleration, agility and balance. Wright combines that skating with all of the offensive skills one would want. His stickhandling is top-notch and he can make plays while moving at top speed. His shot is deadly accurate, has a ton of power, and he gets it off with a very quick release.”– Ben Kerr, LWOS 

 

Strengths 
Strong two-way game
High-end IQ
Great speed
Strong play making abilities
Powerful Wrist shot
Great work ethic

Under Construction- Improvements to Make
Offensive consistency

NHL Potential
Wright has the potential to be very dangerous and a versatile two-way threat in the NHL. He’s a player that can play in any situation, handling top line minutes while being a staple on the first power play and penalty kill units. His IQ, work ethic, offensive potential and defensive awareness alone make him a top reliable centreman, similar to that of Patrice Bergeron.

[OccamsRazor]

3 hours ago, pilldoc said:

Juraj Slafkovsky

 

 

My choice.

[GrittyForever]

Bunch of potentially good players there. Depends where we pick. Only one in that list I'd worry about is Geekie. His poor skating (comparatively) could be a problem. 

[ruxpin]

56 minutes ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

 

My choice.

Mine too

[flyer4ever]

Pick the goal scorer. Whoever that projects to be. Slavkovsky or Cooley, if they aren't picking first.

[OccamsRazor]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:36 PM, flyer4ever said:

Pick the goal scorer. Whoever that projects to be. Slavkovsky or Cooley, if they aren't picking first.

 

Savoie might be the top goal scorer here I can't say for sure his brother has a knack for it too he played on the same line as Bobby Brink at Denver and is an Oiler prospect.

[ruxpin]

@flyercanuck

What's your pick here? I second it.

[OccamsRazor]

59 minutes ago, ruxpin said:

@flyercanuck

What's your pick here? I second it.

 

My biggest concern with Savoie is his size don't want to be the smallish Montreal Canadians circa Saku Koivu days...

[Brewin Flames]

I won't even pretend to know the working needs of the flyers at this point, but early mocks suggest....

 

 

David Jiricek

Ht/Wt:6' 3"/176 lbs
Position:RHD
Team: HC Plzen (CZE)

[Brewin Flames]

David Jiricek's Player Profile

Ryan Kennedy - The Hockey News - Mar. 25th: "Put on an absolute show early on in the Czech League season, proving he could bring offense, mobility and poise from the back end. Knee surgery has kept him on the shelf, but he was just named to the World Championship training camp."

Eetu Siltanen - Dobber Prospects - Mar. 20th: "Two-way defender with good toolkit, great size and good physicality. Solid point-production upside. Not far from NHL ready but since he misses the whole second half of the season, he definitely needs a season in AHL or Europe before NHL."

Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - Mar. 9: "As more defencemen emerge as first-rounders, Jiricek remains at or near the top of almost every list."

Peter Baracchini - The Hockey Writers - Mar. 1st: "Despite being on the shelf after undergoing surgery from an injury he sustained at the World Juniors, Jiricek is still being regarded as a potential top-10 pick. Jirircek would bring a high level of intensity and mobility from the back end along with a powerful shot from the point."

Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - Feb. 14th: "He’s a strong and sturdy defender who plays a staunch man-to-man style, moves his feet well for his size, and thrives in transition with his ability to both close out on gaps with his length through neutral ice and lead a ton of rushes as a puck transporter."

Josh Bell - SportingNews/FC Hockey - Dec. 23rd: "David Jiricek continues to impress in the top Czech league, showing off his excellent two-way ability. He knows how to use his size to his advantage, with his long reach and physicality being a big part of his defensive game."

[flyercanuck]

1 hour ago, ruxpin said:

@flyercanuck

What's your pick here? I second it.

 

Well I picked Savoie (not 1st) for 2 reasons...one is he's highly skilled and the other is I haven't seen anyone other than Wright and Geekie  play. From what I've read there are some good players on there. What worries me is Homer and Fletcher see 6'4" 205 lbs on Geekie and think that's the most important thing. 

[OccamsRazor]

51 minutes ago, Brewin Flames said:

I won't even pretend to know the working needs of the flyers at this point, but early mocks suggest....

 

 

David Jiricek

Ht/Wt:6' 3"/176 lbs
Position:RHD
Team: HC Plzen (CZE)

 

I wouldn't hate this pick at all.

 

This kid has top pair written all over him Flyers could plug him in right beside Provorov.

 

But I could see them giving him another year or two to develop as well.

[flyercanuck]

44 minutes ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

I wouldn't hate this pick at all.

 

This kid has top pair written all over him Flyers could plug him in right beside Provorov.

 

But I could see them giving him another year or two to develop as well.

 

I think everyone in this draft should be given at least a year. 

[OccamsRazor]

My choice...

 

 

...my 1B choice would be Nemec to plug and play with Provorov...

 

 

Edited April 25, 2022 by OccamsRazor

[OccamsRazor]

Some nice moves by the kid...

 

 

[mojo1917]

On 4/15/2022 at 10:03 PM, GrittyForever said:

Bunch of potentially good players there. Depends where we pick. Only one in that list I'd worry about is Geekie. His poor skating (comparatively) could be a problem. 

Agree. 

Can't be drafting guys that can't skate.  

Have to have skill , smarts and speed. 

[flyercanuck]

On 4/15/2022 at 5:35 PM, pilldoc said:

 

The other is that teams cannot win the lottery more than twice in a five-year span. Any wins in the lottery prior to 2022 will not be counted toward this total, so 2022 marks the beginning of any team's five-year period. 

 

 

 

 

 First off, it's about time they did this. 

 

 Second, looks like back to back lottery wins for the Flyers. But we won't be allowed to pick first next year when there's an actual franchise player.

[OccamsRazor]

2 hours ago, flyercanuck said:

But we won't be allowed to pick first next year when there's an actual franchise player.

 

This won't affect the Flyers if they win this year and next because they can't win it MORE than two times so if they won it back to back then yeah no more for 5 years.

 

But that made me laugh thinking the Flyers could get that lucky too funny.