It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and this particular draft is a critical one for the orange and black. Hopefully, newly crowned General Manager Chuck Fletcher provides some answers with more defensive depth, center, and wing depth to restock the prospect cupboard. With that being said, there’s a speedy “Wile E. Coyote,” right winger that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the third round. That is no other than a gritty player in Sasha Mutala. The “Wile E. Coyote,” was fast in Looney Tunes, but Mutala would eat that Coyote for dinner. Mutala has blazing speed and is as hard-working as they come.
When Mutala was younger all he thought about was the sport of hockey. Mutala knew how tough it was going to be to get drafted into the NHL, but as he got older he became more dedicated to the sport of hockey, with the hopes of eventually playing in the NHL. As it turns out he’s a pretty damn good hockey player. Mutala has matured into a speedy, gritty, hard-working individual, and now he sees the light at the end of the tunnel, “The NHL Draft being around the corner is a very exciting thing. I cannot wait for draft day, and neither can my family. I’m sure it will be something I never forget.”
Mutala continues, “My ultimate goal has always been to win a Stanley Cup. It’s hockey’s ultimate prize, and even some NHL players never win it.”
This young stud in Mutala was born on May 6, 2001, in Vancouver, BC, CAN (AKA the motherland of hockey). He found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey mainly from Alex Ovechkin. He watched Ovechkin a lot when he was younger and he idolized him. Mutala is a 6’1,” 196 big bodied player, that is very gifted offensively. Moreover, Mutala can board battle with the best of them, and that can be of some benefit for the Flyers in the future. That’s one area that needs to improve with the orange an black, and Mutala would be willing to help that’s for sure, “I am always trying to improve myself, and make strides in my development. I believe a good off-season of work on and off the ice will help me take the next step. Another thing I do to improve is watch video on my game. I think training the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical side of the game.”
The young prospect in Mutala continues, “My parents have instilled a hard-working and focused attitude into my hockey career, and have shaped myself into the player I am today.”
This 17-year-old young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Mutala worked very hard in the offseason and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2018-19 season. In his second season for the Tri-City Americans, he registered 20 goals, and 21 assists for a total of 41 points in 65 games played in 2018-19. Mutala showed determination and grit to improve his game, and that’s exactly what transpired.
Mutala is a hard-working individual and one that has a heavy, rocket of a shot. He’s a talented playmaker, that creates space with his speed, and direction. Mutala is outstanding with skating, thus creating passing lanes. He also protects the puck very well and is not afraid to get to the dirty areas to score a goal.
“I am very hard-working, a good shooter, and a gritty player in the corners. I will do whatever it takes to contribute to this team and city. You can count on it.”
Just Mutala’s hands are insane with the puck. He has a quick release, as he hits the net with accuracy. Mutala has transformed the Americans offense into a legit threat in just his second season for them. Mutala has a lethal wrist shot to go along with his cannon of a shot, and it really showed this past season. His effort and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL, and Mutala leaves us with the last message for Flyers fans:
“If the Flyers were to draft me. Fans can expect a very hard-working, gritty but skilled Forward, that isn’t afraid to got to the dirty areas to put up points.”
Hopefully, Mutala continues to mold himself into a fine hockey player. He has a blistering shot, and Mutala can hit the net with ease. The Flyers need a player that isn’t afraid to shoot the puck and can board battle. Well, Mutala is that player, and he could pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Doug Westcott
