One of the best fits heading into the draft seemed like the Philadelphia Flyers and Cutter Gauthier, and it worked out for both sides. The big winger–who will be transitioning to center for Boston College–goes fifth overall.
If Gauthier can handle that transition, this could be a huge upside play for the Flyers. Finding centers this big, fast, and skilled is almost impossible outside of the draft, and rare to find even there.
The USNTDP standout is headed the college route and won’t be joining them in the fall but could be a one-and-done player for BC. Philadelphia has been clear that they don’t want a full rebuild, meaning waiting multiple years for their top pick might not be ideal.
ughhhh
Good pick. If they took an overrated Jiricek I would have puked
Still surprised about how serious GM Fletcher is about not rebuilding. Looking at how busy other bottom-of-the-league teams were at draft day… He obviously still thinks he can recover with his group of players. I’m skeptical, but should be an interesting place to watch this season, how it pans out.
Another player, of course, who won’t be ready anytime soon (going to BC for seasoning and development for the next 4-5 years). In other words, no immediate help coming.
Don’t get too excited about any free agent signings, either. This happens every year. We’re spectators, while other teams with creative GMs are making and closing deals.
One bright spot I noticed…Clarke and Holmgren weren’t on the stage when the pick was announced …. I’m trying to find something positive here