The Philadelphia Flyers put their shovel to the ground today as they grew deeper in defensive talent. Mason Millman, selected in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, signed an entry-level contract with the team. Chuck Fletcher inked Millman to a three-year deal, officially starting his journey in Philadelphia’s system.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2019, Millman was the third defenseman taken by the Flyers. The two before him were Cameron York and Ronald Attard. York and Attard have yet to receive an entry-level contract from Philadelphia. That may be a tell-tale sign from Fletcher regarding his feelings towards Mason Millman. He has certainly impressed the right people within the Flyers organization.
Last season, his second with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, Millman led the team’s defensemen with 44 points (13 goals.) He increased his plus-minus rating to 31, improving from 22 in 2018-2019. In eight fewer games played, Millman maximized his development in goals scored, assists, and defensive prowess. His time in the penalty-box increased in 2019-2020, however.
In 2018-2019, Millman shined during the postseason with the Spirit. Through his only appearance in the OHL postseason, he totaled 5 points (two goals and three assists) with a plus-minus rating of 12. His postseason performance acted as a turning point for his development in 2019-2020. Millman carried on his defensive dominance to rank as one of the OHL’s elite defensemen last season. His aforementioned plus-minus rating of 31 was among the top-five of all league defensemen.
Mason Millman has steadily improved on both offense and defense. His ability to produce above expectations is what earned him his entry-level contract with Philadelphia. He isn’t just the first defenseman signed by the Flyers from the 2019 draft class; he’s the first overall player to ink an entry-level contract. Expect Millman to be groomed as another sure-handed powerplay blue-liner with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. If he continues to impress the way he is, Fletcher may consider giving Millman NHL ice time as early as 2021-2022.
Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire
