Ryan Leonard Frequently Linked To Flyers In Mock Drafts

We took a spin through a bunch of mock drafts last night and saw a variety of players predicted for the Flyers with the No. 7 pick.

One player often linked to the Flyers was forward Ryan Leonard, of the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. Leonard is 6-foot, 190 pounds, a right-handed shot from Amherst, Mass., who has committed to Boston College.

BC is where Flyers top prospect Cutter Gauthier will be a sophomore in the fall. 

Leonard scored the overtime goal as Team USA rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Sweden, 3-2, to win the gold medal in the Under-18 World Championships in Switzerland in April.

Leonard played two seasons with the National Team Development Program. This past season, he played 57 games and had 51 goals and 43 assists. If you check out his highlights tape, you’ll be amazed by his puck-handling and scoring ability.

NHL Central Scouting has Leonard listed as the fifth-best North American skater. His brother, John, is a forward on the Nashville Predators. John has played 58 NHL games over three seasons.

Here is what some of the experts who matched Ryan Leonard with the Flyers had to say about him:

Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com

“He’s a prototypical Flyer with the competitiveness, grit and willingness to be the player that stirs the pot when his team needs a spark.”

Logan Horn, thehockeywriters.com

“Ryan Leonard is one of the most fun players to watch from this draft class. He’s an absolute snowplow out there, working his tail off to retrieve the puck and clear the way for his linemates, who constantly benefit from his high-effort, high-speed style.

“The Flyers are in a transition period, and are looking to establish a new identity as a hard-working group. I can’t think of a player who better fits that description than Leonard.”

Corey Pronman, The Athletic

“Leonard’s stock is high right now with NHL teams. It’s not uncommon to hear team sources discuss him in the same light as teammate Will Smith, and I suspect he will be gone quite early.

“[Matvei] Michkov is still part of the consideration here, but my lean is that Leonard goes over him if the draft were held today. Boston College teammates Leonard and Cutter Gauthier could form a line one day.”

Ian Kennedy, Yahoo Sports

“When Leonard steps on the ice, he drives the play. While Smith and Gabe Perreault often finished, Leonard was the motor that kept the play moving in USA’s favor at the U-18 World Championships.

“He never stops and generates offense off the rush and off the forecheck. The way he pushes the pace will make him valuable at the next level. Leonard is exactly the type of player the Flyers have needed: fast, skilled and in your face.”

Flyers in case you missed it:

Flyers’ presence is everywhere in Eastern Conference finals.

Flyers’ new management have kind words about former owner Ed Snider.

Around the National Hockey Network:

Detroit Hockey Now: Jaromir Jagr says the late Petr Klima was a better player than him.

Florida Hockey Now: Voters in Tempe, Ariz., say no to new arena and entertainment complex near Arizona State University, leaving the Coyotes’ future uncertain.

Chicago Hockey Now: Lessons that can be learned from the last four playoff teams.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens, selecting two spots ahead of the Flyers in the NHL Draft, can’t ignore the upside of Russian forward Matvei Michkov.

NY Hockey Now: These aren’t your dad’s conference finalists.

Conference finals:

The Eastern Conference finals begin Thursday with Florida at Carolina.

The Western Conference finals begin Friday with Dallas at Vegas.