The NHL Entry Draft is next weekend, and the Philadelphia Flyers have the 12th and either 31st or 32nd overall pick in the first round. Flyers GM Danny Briere met with the media today to give insights on the draft and free agency. Briere stated that the organization does need a center.
Briere stated if the Flyers would be willing to take a center: “If they’re equal, and we have a hard time deciding between two players, and one’s a wing, one a center, we might lean into a center because let’s face it. You know, we’re lacking centers coming up throughout the organization.”
Briere stated what the Flyers are looking for with their prospect, “I hope that we can diversify and kind of bring all kinds of types of players smaller, bigger, and faster.” Briere went on to talk about the significance of speed in today’s game. Briere went on to give credit to all of the scouts. While Danny went on to say he tries his best to see the prospects and something he enjoys, he went on to say how he trusts his scouts, mainly Brent Flahr.
Regarding the Columbus Blue Jackets second-round pick that the Flyers have, there is yet to be an answer to whether Columbus will defer the pick to next year’s draft. Briere stated that the Blue Jackets have to decide an hour after the first round.
Flyers Non-Draft Updates:
Regarding free agency, Briere doesn’t plan on making any big moves. He said it was going to be quite a free agency for Philadelphia. However, he stressed the significance of this year and not this year’s draft.
Rumors were circulating about a potential trade between the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. Briere stated, “So I’ve got a lot more work in less than 24 hours, but it’s, you know, I think it’s normal to as you get closer to the draft.” With the draft being less than a week away, it’s normal to have rumors speculating about trades for draft picks.
Another huge storyline this summer will be focused on prospect Matvei Michkov. While there is no update on his status coming to Philadelphia or not, Briere touched on the situation.
Briere talked about two years left on Michkov’s contract by stating, “We’re kind of at the mercy of what they decide to do there with him.” Although there isn’t a timeline, Briere said, “If they tell us he’s (Michkov) coming on September 1st, we’ll jump on it.” We’ll jump on it if they tell us he’s (Michkov) coming on September 1st.”
Briere also touched on Oliver Bonk, another first-rounder in last year’s draft. Briere mentioned how Bonk is also on the same timeline as Michkov.
Briere was clear about the future of the Flyers and the message that he tells players, “We’re building towards the future. So, if you put the time in, you can be part of something special. That’s kind of the message we tell the players.” Briere plans what he will do throughout the rebuild.
