Should Flyers Try For A Risky Home Run In The Draft?

Interesting take from Nashville general manager Barry Trotz on the draft — maybe a strategy the Flyers might consider employing.

Trotz, a Stanley Cup-winning coach in 2018 with the Capitals, says he told his scouts to “take some swings, take some high-end swings on some guys.”

Trotz also said: “I can find you third-line, fourth-line guys, no problem. Go get me some guys that get people out of their seats.”

The Predators were 42-32-8 for 92 points, three points out of a playoff spot last season.

Should the Flyers try a swing-for-the-fences strategy? Maybe take a chance on a kid who has been injured and saw his draft stock drop? Or, the classic underachiever with a decent upside? The Flyers haven’t made the playoffs for three seasons.

What Kind Of GM Is Briere?

General manager Daniel Briere’s first draft should provide insight in his thinking. Is he going to be a wheeler-dealer, or conservative in his approach?

The Flyers have the No. 7 draft pick. My guess is they will take the best available forward in the first round. If evaluations are accurate, the draft is deep in forwards so the Flyers might land a player to greatly help their rebuild.

Draft momentum and confidence are on the Flyers’ side — even with a new GM. Last year, they selected Cutter Gauthier at No. 5. From all indications, including an outstanding performance playing against men at the World Championships, Gauthier looks like he will be in the NHL at some point during the 2024-25 season. He plans to return to Boston College for his sophomore year in the fall.

I’m sure the Flyers would love to land Gauthier 2.0 in this draft.

The Flyers don’t have a second-round pick. They have two third-rounders, two fourth-rounders, a fifth-rounder, two picks in the sixth round and a seventh-rounder.

If they make a pick or two that can be classified as a “high-end swing,” I don’t think the fan base will be disappointed.

The Flyers need some star power and maybe that starts with getting lucky in the draft’s later rounds.

Hip Surgery For Kane

Rangers forward Patrick Kane, 34, underwent hip resurfacing surgery, his agent said Thursday.

Recovery time is expected to be about 4-6 months. His agent, Pat Brisson, said Kane “wants to play for a long time.”

Kane will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He said last month he wanted to return to the Rangers.

Flyers, In Case You Missed It:

There are no untouchables on Flyers’ roster.

Nick Cousins can win a Stanley Cup with Panthers.

John Tortorella doesn’t agree with criticism of hiring ex-Flyers.

Around The National Hockey Network:

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers power play is heating up as they head to the desert for the Stanley Cup finals against Vegas.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights have three big advantages over the Panthers.

Detroit Hockey Now: We remember former Flyers defenseman Robert Hagg. Here’s an assessment of his season with the Red Wings.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Hiring Kyle Dubas as president of hockey operations was the right choice.

Boston Hockey Now: Will David Krejci retire or return for another season?

Chicago Hockey Now: Diving into details of Patrick Kane’s hip injury, possible future with Blackhawks.

Washington Hockey Now: The Spencer Carbery era begins with the Capitals.

Montreal Hockey Now: Canadiens looking to hit home run at the draft.

Stanley Cup Finals:

Game 1: Panthers at Golden Knights, 8 p.m. Saturday. TNT.