Over Tuesday and Wednesday in the 2020 NHL draft, the Flyers added five more players to their prospect pool.
The Flyers came into the draft with seven selections and made five. They traded their 116th and 147th overall picks to climb to 94th overall. They also dealt their 202nd and 209th overall picks to grab the 135th overall selection.
How did general manager Chuck Fletcher, assistant general manager Brent Flahr and company make out in the 2020 draft? Let's take a look:
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First round, No. 23: Tyson Foerster, 6-2/194, RW
Analysis: A let-it-rip, goal-seeking winger with one of the most dangerous shots in the draft. Foerster strategically exploits open space and has a knack for beating the goalie. Not flashy but gets the job done and should only get better as he matures physically.
Quotable: "He likes to pull the trigger, he has the ability to shoot the puck from all different areas. Not just the perfect pass, he has the ability to take it off his front foot, back foot and he gets a lot of velocity on it. He knows what he's doing when he gets the chance. Obviously he loves to score, he's very excited every time he scores a goal, but at the same time, he does have the ability to make plays, he has vision, he has good offensive instincts, so I think he's more than just a shooter solely." - Flahr
Second round, No. 54: Emil Andrae, 5-8/181, D
NHL
Analysis: A modern, mobile, offensive-minded defenseman that is extremely composed with the puck. He's smaller but the Flyers believe his competitive and cerebral game makes up for what he lacks in size.
Quotable: "We actually rated him higher. We did expect him to go before then just because of his skill set, his hockey sense and the poise he plays the game with, especially with the success he’s had to start the season in the Swedish Elite League. I was surprised and obviously we’re very happy. Our draft board was going quickly and he was a guy that we had rated highly that was still there. We were happy to snap him up." - Flahr
Fourth round, No. 94: Zayde Wisdom, 5-10/195, RW
Analysis: A north-south, straight-line winger with some underrated skill. Wisdom prides himself on a tireless work ethic and no-shifts-off mantra. He's a motivated and mature young man who has dealt with all sorts of adversity from an early age.
Quotable: "It's incredible what he’s overcome to get to this point. He seems to have some strong people in his corner that have provided support for him along the way, but he clearly has worked hard for everything he’s earned to this point. But I think he’s got an understated skill level. His hands are pretty good, he has a very good shot, he has good instincts, he goes to the right places on the ice. When you combine that with his relentless pursuit of pucks, his ability to forecheck and finish checks, it’s a pretty attractive package." - Fletcher
Fifth round, No. 135: Elliot Desnoyers, 5-10/183, LW
Analysis: A two-way player with upside who went under the radar playing for the QMJHL-leading Moncton Wildcats in 2019-20. After being traded to the Halifax Mooseheads, Desnoyers, who can also play center, has a chance to show his ceiling as his role grows on a different team. Not the fastest but has other ingredients.
Quotable: "Moncton was the best team in Canada before it shut down, so he was kind of shut down the lineup. I used to work with John Torchetti, who coached Moncton for the first half last year, he gave me the tip on him early, as well as our Quebec league guys. Just because of their depth and how good they were up front, he didn’t really get the opportunity. [Torchetti] always mentioned to keep an eye on him. From a strength standpoint, he has a long way to go. But another kid who’s a very smart 200-foot player, really good engine. ... A guy I think coaches will enjoy to coach." - Flahr
Sixth round, No. 178: Connor McClennon, 5-8/160, RW
Analysis: A possible sixth-round sleeper just given his ability to shoot and score. McClennon is very undersized, especially at his position, so he'll have to prove that his game translates. The ICE product plays with moxie, though.
Quotable: "He has been a prolific goal scorer among his age group. He also has the motor. In order to have a chance as a smaller player, you need to have that engine. His competitiveness is very good and he has an ability to shoot the puck in the net, which is what got him drafted." - Flahr