There is no denying that the Philadelphia Flyers are in a rebuild. We have already seen some great young prospects play this past season. The likes of Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny, Samuel Morin, Robert Hagg all made their NHL debuts for the big club last season. Throw into the mix second year defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and this team looks built for the future. Who else is down on the farm that we have not mentioned? Add Philippe Myers to the ever growing list of young prospects. I was fortunate enough to recently have a phone interview with Myers, and he seems more than ready to showcase his skills for the Flyers this coming season.
Philippe Myers was born January 25, 1997 in Moncton, NB, CAN. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Flyers on September 21, 2015. It was a three-year, Entry-Level contract worth $1.908 million.
We as Flyers fans keep talking about Sanheim, Provorov, Konecny, etc. But what about Philippe Myers? 57GP (17G-26A, +47). @CraigJButton
— Murph (@2Murphy8) March 10, 2016
At age 20, this young phenom has evolved into quite a two way defenseman for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. After suffering a series of concussions during the 2016-17 season, he still managed 10 goals, and 25 assists for a total of 35 points in 34 games played. For his career with the Huskies, he has registered 88 points in 157 games, along with a +59 rating. Myers credits the Flyers for taking a chance on him, realizing it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Signing with the Flyers was an absolute humbling experience. It was the best feeling in the world. To put in all that hard work, and finally it pay off..(Sighing in relief with emotion) I just couldn’t be happier. I’m forever grateful for the Flyers. I will do my best to prove they made the right choice, and I want to show the fans I can do this.”
With many young defensive prospects in the system for the Flyers, Myers just focuses on getting better. His skating is just smooth, and it is one area that Myers has become pleased with.
“My skating has vastly improved. I have become faster. With that I have become more sound offensively, as well as, defensively. Just my overall game is better because of my skating. Im hoping to create something for the future.”
Myers was a stud find by General Manager Ron Hextall. He has the goods to be an NHL defenseman for years to come. Without knowing him, you would think being overlooked at the 2015 NHL Draft would have been enough motivation to prove his doubters wrong. However, it is his family that gives him his extra motivation.
“Before the game I always talk to my family. My family is everything, and they give me motivation. I wouldn’t have gotten to this point if it weren’t for them. I call them everyday to make sure they’re okay. Family means everything to me, and I love them very much. I have no brothers or sisters (Laughing). I’m an only child, so obviously there are no nieces or nephews. I’m just proud of my family, and I hope I made them proud. I want to continue to make them proud.”
This young phenom is an amazing individual. He has the heart of gold, and from what he said in this interview he has not forgotten his roots. This type of selfless attitude will really rub off on Flyers fans. Hopefully sometime in the near future Myers will make his NHL debut, and eventually become a mainstay NHL defenseman. He is definitely on the right track for stardom with his family by his side.
In other Flyers News:
Philippe Myers was just reassigned to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms from the Rouyn Noranda-Huskies. This move is for the Calder Cup run only, per the Flyers on April 18, 2017 at 1 pm.
Follow me on Twitter @JameyBaskow for all Flyers updates.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
