Since the 2018 NHL Draft has concluded, the Philadelphia Flyers have been rocking and rolling. Ron Hextall and his team are now preparing for the tall task ahead. With the NHL free agency period opening in about a week on July 1st, Hextall still has to have his burner phone in handy, just in case he wants to play, “Lets Make A Deal,” like the old time hit show, that featured Monty Hall as host.
The historic 2018 NHL Draft will never get old for Flyers fans. Well at least for this offseason anyways. Hextall made some bold moves to bolster the Flyers roster in the future. At the conclusion of the draft, the draft had the stamp of, “What you gonna do when Hextall picks you?!” The Flyers literally had every fan glued to their televisions throughout the draft, watching every move and pick. Without further delay, its time to break down the Flyers picks 4 through 5.
John St. Ivany, RHD, (112th Overall)
AKA “Jack”, St.Ivany was born on July 22, 1999, in Manhattan Beach, California. St. Ivany found his passion and his love for the sport of hockey while other kids were surfing. He eventually found himself playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the (USHL) for the 2017-18 season.
The young, towering 6’3,” Right-Handed Defenseman in St. Ivany proved to be a solid two-way Defenseman for the Sioux Falls squad. He tallied 6 goals, and 30 assists for 36 points in 54 games played for the Stampede in 2017-18. Moreover, he led the team with 30 assists as he carries the puck up the ice well. St. Ivany has quickly opened some eyes for transitioning out of the Defensive zone with ease.
This stellar young Defenseman is very athletic, and can play the Power Play efficiently. He sees the puck well, as his vision of the ice ranks off the charts. The Flyers badly needed a Right-Handed Defenseman, so St. Ivany should have every opportunity to turn some heads in the future. St. Ivany was ranked #119 by the NHL Central Scouting for North Amercian skaters, and he will attend Yale University in 2018-19.
Wyatt Wylie, RHD, (127th Overall)
Wylie was born on November 2, 1999, in Everett, Washington. This 6’1,” 192 pound, goliath started to learn the game of hockey at a young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for a familiar team for most Flyers fans, and the Flyers top brass in the Everett Silvertips. For the season, he registered 6 goals, and 25 assists for a total of 31 points in 72 games played. This kid in Wylie can flat out skate, and his two-way game has vastly improved.
The young 18 year old prospect, in Wylie worked very hard in the offseason. Wylie put a lot of time and effort at the gym to properly prepare for the 2017-18 season. For his efforts, Wylie won the teams Iron Man Award, and Most Improved Player Award . If one saw Wylie play for the Silvertips this past season, then one would have noticed instantly that his hockey IQ vastly improved from the prior year. He really has become a very good two-way Defenseman, as he suffocates opponents.
The Flyers are starving for Right-Handed Defenseman, and Wylie may be the answer to their prayers. He’s a gifted young prospect that has what it takes to be a Flyer. Wylie was ranked #71 by the NHL Central Scouting rankings for North American skaters. One thing is certain Flyers fans, the future is bright in Flyer land.
We will be breaking down the Flyers second fifth-round pick in tomorrow’s draft recap that will also dissect the remaining picks.
Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire
