Three names stand out for the Flyers in the 1st round of the Draft
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Wilson SalaunApril 29, 2022 (0:53)
Chuck Fletcher is in Germany to see some of the top prospects from this year's Draft. If things don't change until the end of the season, the Flyers will finish with the 4th worst record in the league, which will give them a 9.5% chance to select first, 9.8% second, 15.4% fourth, 44.9% fifth and 20.5% sixth.
So, who are the top candidates? Three names stand out : Simon Nemec, Brad Lambert and Rutger McGroarty.
Obviously, the best candidates is Nemec. Some people think that he could be selected 3rd or 4th, and it's understandable. He had 26 points in 39 games this year with HK Nitra. He's even better since the start of the playoffs, as he registered 10 points in 13 matches. Nemec is described as a great two-way defenseman that can do it all. He is the best defenseman available in the Draft.
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"Nemec is a calculated and poised three-zone defender who is capable of organizing play from the top of the zone, executing through seams in coverage at a high level, and starting and leading his fair share of rushes," said Scott Wheeler.
Lambert and McGroarty are both forwards (they can play at center and on the wing) are not going to crack the lineup next season. They will have to develop before coming in Philadelphia. But both have also big upsides.
The biggest issue for Lambert is his consistency. If he succeeds to erase that from his game, he's going to be an absolute stud. He has all the tools talentwise to produce at a high pace in the NHL.
"Lambert moves fast, but he has great hockey instincts when playing at speed. His vision is something that is a cut above. Those are two things that scouts look for and it seems like it's hard-wired into Lambert's brain especially when he brings the puck up the ice," said Russ Cohen.
Finally, Fletcher certainly saw what Rutger McGroarty can bring to a team, as he is representing Team USA at the Under-18 World Championship in Germany. In 4 games, he has 6 goals and 7 points.
"Already with an NHL-like frame at 6-foot, 205 pounds, he has tremendous strength and is a dual threat with his playmaking and goal scoring skillset. He struggled at times at the beginning of the season, but he has been better consistently in regards to his overall play and production as he ranks fifth on the NTDP with 43 points," wrote Peter Baracchini.
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