It's that time of season! Websites are ranking NHL teams prospects and farm system. I'm not going to rank every prospect because that would take to long, so I'm going to do my top 10 prospects who are the future of the Philadelphia Flyers! Let's get started!
1). Travis Konecny
Oh look at that, Travis Konecny is #1 because why would he not be. Konecny played junior hockey in the OHL. He played for two different teams: the Ottawa 67's & the Sarina Sting. During his tenure with the 67's, he was captain & leading scorer, tallying 138 points. During his third season with the 67's, he was traded to the Sarina Sting.
Even though he was traded mid-season, he was still lighting the OHL up earning 30 goals at the the end of the season. By now, he was already drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. A top 15 forward going 24th overall, many wondered why he wasn't taken earlier in the draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season playing with Couturier and Voracek. He finished with 28 points; not great, but not bad. He has some great potential. I project him to become the 1st line center in the future.
2). Ivan Provorov
Ivan Provorov played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL. During his time there, he tallied at total of 134 points which is really good for a defensemen. He had a tremendous career in the WHL, winning both WHL and CHL defensemen of the year. Due to his amazing play, he was drafted 7th overall by the Flyers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He is projected to be a franchise defensemen, so there's that.
3). Shayne Gostisbehere
Okay, yes, Ghost isn't a prospect, it's my article, I do what I want. Ghost played for the Union Dutchmen for the ECAC; I remember watching him during the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four, and ,man, can he make some great plays. During his time there, he tallied a total of 82 points. He was drafted by the Flyers, 78th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He wouldn't make his NHL debut until the 2015-16 season where he became a rookie sensation. He became the first rookie in NHL history to record 4 OT goals in a season, and currently hold the longest point streak for a rookie defensemen at 15 games. Projected to become a Top 2 defensemen along with Provy.
4). Samuel Morin
Morin played for the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL for four seasons. During his time there he tallied 87 points. He was drafted by the Flyers, 11th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He would go on and play two season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms tallying a total of 35 points. He doesn't seem like an outstanding defensemen, but he has potential. He has been called the next Chris Pronger due to him being 6'7". My projection is for him to be a Top 6 defensemen.
5). Travis Sanhiem
Travis Sanhiem played for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. He tallied a total 162 points. He was drafted by the Flyers, 17th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft; and, after his time in the WHL, he played with the Phantoms for one season earning 40 points in 80 games. He has potential to become one the best defensemen in the game. My projection is him being a Top 6 defensemen, and probably Top 2 at some point.
6). Robert Hagg
Robert Hagg played for Modo Hockey of the SHL earning a total of 48 points. He was drafted by the Flyers, 41st overall, in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He went on to play for the Phantoms for four seasons - earning a total of 50 points. He is one of the most underrated prospects, and I know he is going to do big things for the Flyers. My projection for him is the same as the last two prospects: being a top 6 defensemen and turning into something greater.
7). Oskar Lindbolm
Oskar Lindbolm played for the Brynas IF for 6 seasons, earning a total of 121 points. He would go on and be drafted by the Flyers, 138th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He was just signed to an entry-level contract in May, and it seems he is NHL ready. He is projected to start this coming season with the Flyers. I project him as a Top 9 forward, playing on the 1st and 2nd line. He is one of the hidden gems in the 2014 draft class.
8). Anthony Stolarz
Anthony Stolarz played for the London Knights of the OHL. He spent two seasons with them, having a record of 38 wins, 7 losses, and 4 OTL/T. He was drafted by the Flyers, 45th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He then went on to spend three seasons with the Phantoms earning a record of 48 wins, 40 losses, and 10 OTL. He made his NHL debut last season, and won it 5-3. He is projected to be the Flyers starting goalie, but one prospect might take that away from him.
9). Carter Hart
This prospect right here is the goalie of the Flyers future. Carter Hart plays for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. During his time there he had earned a record of 85 wins, 39 losses, and 17 OTL/T. NHL scouts named him top available North American goalie in the 2016 NHL Draft. He would be drafted by the Flyers, 48th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, being the first goalie taken in the draft. The Flyers have big plans for Hart.
10). Nolan Patrick
I saved the best for last! Behold the future of the Philadelphia Flyers! Nolan Patrick played for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. While he was there, he tallied a total of 204 points in three seasons. The Flyers got lucky in the NHL Draft Lottery and acquired the 2nd overall pick which they used to draft Nolan Patrick. He was signed to an entry-level contract soon after he was drafted. My projection for him is 1st line center and face of the franchise after Giroux retires. Philly is coming back to the Cup Final.
