The Philadelphia Flyers have been on a manhunt in search of help for their once struggling offense. Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall has slowly gone under the radar in the past few drafts with drafting late round studs. It just so happens these studs are the positions of center. Enter Tanner Laczynski a late round draft pick from the 2016 NHL Draft. After recently conducting a phone interview with this young classy prospect, its no wonder Hextall grabbed him up.
Tanner Laczynski was born June 1, 1997, in Shorewood, IL. The Flyers drafted him in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Draft. Laczynski chose to attend Ohio State University after the NHL Draft. After completing his first season with the Buckeyes Men’s Ice Hockey team, Laczynski amassed 10 goals, and 22 assists for a total of 32 points in 39 games played. These numbers were very strong for his freshman season. However, even with these strong numbers Laczynski feels as though he should perform better.
“I just have to continue to work hard, and realize I’m not even close to where I want to be as a player. I’m happy, but not satisfied with the season. It starts with another strong offseason gaining strength, weight, speed, and transferring that to help my skill set on the ice.”
When Laczynski heard his name get called by the Flyers he instantly became ecstatic. All the hard work and dedication finally paid off, as did his dream of playing in the NHL. Even with his emotions he was proud of his family and the Flyers for taking a shot on him.
“It felt amazing hearing my name! I was in shock when it all happened. Hearing my family go crazy, and to hear how proud they were was something special. The Flyers have one of the best organizations in hockey. They are top class in all they do. They really treat their players like royalty.”
After watching film on Laczynski from this past season at Ohio State, he looked like a player of the future. He was confident, good with his hands, and speedy. This is exactly the prototype player that the Flyers are in need of right now. So just who is Laczynski?
“I am a power forward who is good at protecting the puck. I have a good stick with some playmaking abilities. You know I just take it day by day, and work as hard as possible to reach my goals someday of putting on a Flyers uniform. I always want to represent the Flyers organization well and with class. I’m a player that loves my family, and I hope to inspire Flyers fans as well.”
It is no secret that the Flyers have been restocking the farm system the past few seasons. Eventually we will see how all this pans out in the coming years. Will all these young prospects work out maybe not, but the majority of them hopefully will. Add Laczynski to the list of players to watch for in the future. He has a never say die attitude who never gives up, and that alone will make him a fan favorite here in Philadelphia.
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Mandatory Photo Credit: Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via AP Images
