When you enter the third round of the NHL draft, the picks (Flyers select at 79th and 82nd) are going fast and furious and the staff really relies on their big board.
Trades are made, but time is limited. Teams are thinking many steps ahead and they have to be ready. At this point, you’re mining for diamonds.
The percentage of NHLers that come out of rounds 3-7 isn’t ridiculously low but it’s not a 50-50 proposition anymore, either.
A team’s player development department can significantly help players on the cusp of becoming NHL regulars. The Flyers have really upgraded that area under the careful eye of Ron Hextall.
Teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings have made a living getting players taken in rounds 3-7 to the next level. The Flyers are hoping to be another one of those franchises.
In the meantime, acquiring extra picks increases your chances of finding some late-round gems.
Here’s a potential shopping list for the Flyers come the third round of the draft on June 25:
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Chad Krys, D, 5-11/184, U.S. National U-18 Team (USDP)
A Boston University commit who is an excellent skater and has a great snapshot. He’s used to covering top talent in international play and for the NTDP. He’s proficient on the power play and won a gold medal at the U-18s in 2014-15. He has to work on his consistency.
Chase Priskie, D, 6-1/190, Quinnipiac (NCAA)
The Quinnipiac blueliner showed a lot of promise and offense in his first season coming from the BCHL. The Florida-born prospect has a lot of speed and his mother played college hockey. His father played lacrosse. His defense is improving every season. He is worth the risk.
Dylan Gambrell, C, 6-0/183, University of Denver (NCAA)
This pivot plays hard along the walls and plays tough down low. He starred at the University of Denver last season, helping his team get all the way to the Frozen Four. In 2012-13, he was a Clark Cup Champion with Dubuque in the USHL. He had 47 points in 41 games as a freshman at Denver. If he’s there, he’s worth the risk.
Yegor Korshkov, RW, 6-3/179, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
The Russian winger had a terrific showing at the U-20 World Junior Championships with eight points in seven games. When he gets inside position, he’s hard to steer off course. With some added muscle, he could be a solid player in the future.
Antti Kalapudas, C, 6-0/168, Kärpät (Liiga)
This pivot can also play the wing. He keeps moving up the ladder in the Finnish Elite League and has had to earn his ice time. He has terrific speed and a solid wrist shot. His ability to jump on loose pucks translates in today’s NHL.
Otto Somppi, C, 6-1/181, Halifax (QMJHL)
This center has excellent stick and puck control. He has just enough speed to stay ahead of defenses. He can score from the slot with his fast stick. He had 46 points in 59 games for Halifax. But he has to learn to be better in his own end.
Ty Ronning, RW, 5-9/165, Vancouver (WHL)
This second-generation player has a quick shot from the slot. He has good speed and his work ethic is commendable. He’s very charismatic and he had 31 goals and 59 points in 67 games with the Vancouver Giants. Cliff, Ty's father, had a solid NHL career and his son works as hard as he did on the ice.
