The Flyers have the 7th pick in the upcoming NHL draft and as the day where the most exciting prospect since Sidney Crosby gets snatched by the Oilers draws near, it’s time to think about the Flyers. What positions need strengthening, and if they do, is there a player in the draft class ready to step up to Broad Street? We have the answer.
One position that the Philadelphia Flyers are lacking in right now is at left wing. Whilst it may not be an urgent need, that somewhat changes when you look at the calibre of player who may still be available come the seventh pick in the draft. Lawson Crouse could well be the perfect pick for the Broadstreet Bullies and should be a huge red area on the radar. Crouse is a power forward that utilises his size and strength to his advantage. He’s an extremely physical player and would fit perfectly in the Flyers scheme when you look at the type of hockey they play. He’s not just a brute however, in his last season with Kingston, the future NHL star scored 29 goals and 22 assists.
One of the problems that Philly faced last season came when substituting players and making line changes. It was rare to see a player storm onto the ice late on and make an immediate impact, meaning the momentum often stayed with the opponents until a late third period scramble of desperation. Crouse is the type of player that every coach strives to draft onto his team purely down to his work ethic and productivity. You can throw him out in every situation, from 4-0 up to 0-4 down and you know he’s going to make an impact and change the game.
The youngster may not ever evolve to become a big-time scorer but he is without a doubt going to provide solid offensive numbers and contribute in just about all of the peripheral categories..something the Flyers could really use.
The way he presents himself both on and off the ice have the word Broadstreet written all over it. Philadelphia are in a very tricky phase right now, with a change in management and a potential change in vision..the fans aren’t going to stand for another season without post season Hockey. Crouse could well be the catalyst in re-establishing the team as one of the most feared and dominant franchises in the NHL.
Crouse describes himself as “more skilled Lucic” which is a pretty big statement. But if that were to be true, the Flyers may have found their face of the future. Projected to go early to mid first round, Lawson Crouse is by far the most talented left wing prospect in the draft and if it’s the left wing position that the new coach wants to address, then the Flyers would be crazy to pass up on the opportunity of signing someone with such a physical style of play.
