Updated Mock Drafts Predict Flyers’ Pick at No. 22

Several mock drafts have updated picks based on the Flyers acquiring the No. 22 overall selection from Columbus in the Ivan Provorov trade.

Mock drafts are educated suggestions based on team needs, history, off-the-ice persona, culture, whatever. I’ve seen the same player slotted to go No. 8 in one mock draft, go as low as 21 in another mock.

But mocks are entertaining and can provide insight into a possible tier of players a team will select. College football and college basketball are widely televised and fans generally have a better sense of who the potential draftees are.

It’s not the same with hockey — at least for the majority of the general public.

The Flyers have two first-rounders — 7 and 22. 

At 22, The Flyers Select … 

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman has center David Edstrom going to the Flyers at 22.

Edstrom is a 6-foot-2, 187-pound left-shooting center from Sweden.

Pronman writes: “Philadelphia adds a very good two-way center with size and speed in Edstrom at No. 22. By adding him and Reinbacher [defenseman David, at No. 7] in the same draft Philly has added legit talents at two premium positions in this draft.”

Edstrom scored 28 points in 28 games (15 goals) this season for Frolunda in the Sweden’s U20 league. He also played 11 games and scored two goals and two assists in the Sweden Hockey League.

Edstrom scored five goals and three assists in seven World Juniors games.

He is ranked 25th by NHL Central Scouting among EU skaters. TSN’s Craig Button has him ranked 22nd. He is ranked 42nd by Eliteprospects.com.

Riley Heidt Is ‘Dynamic’

Center Riley Heidt is the selection at 22 from mynhldraft.com, which predicts center Ryan Leonard for the Flyers at No. 7.

Heidt is a 5-11, 179-pound left-shooting center from Prince George of the Western Hockey League.

The Hockey Writers say about Heidt: “If teams are looking for a dynamic playmaking center that is a pain to play against, Riley Heidt may be exactly the prospect they seek.

“The Prince George Cougars forward has taken a major step this season and is widely projected to be a top-20 selection in this year’s draft.

“Whether it is his speed, playmaking skills or willingness to get in on the forecheck, he has the ability to be a game-changer every time he steps over the boards.”

Heidt has strong rankings — 21st among North American skaters from NHL Central Scouting; 18th overall from Elite Prospects; 13th and 14th from The Hockey Writers.

Gavin Brindley will be the Flyers’ pick at 22 in the latest tankathon.com mock draft. Brindley is a 5-7, 157-pound, right-shooting right wing from the University of Michigan. He scored 12 goals and 26 assists in 41 games for the Wolverines, who advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Tankathon has the Flyers taking speedy center Oliver Miller at No. 7.

Brindley has played with Team USA in the U18 and U20 teams. He is ranked 34th by TSN’s Craig Button, 30th by Sportsnet and 23rd by NHL Central Scouting of North American skaters.

For a rebuilding team, the draft is where they can make great strides. Drafting players can be a great unknown. This is where the Flyers’ front office, with their scouts and others who evaluate players, can seriously jump-start the rebuild.

Stanley Cup Finals:

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers score late, with an extra skater, then win in overtime on Carter Verhaeghe’s goal. Panthers party like it’s 1996 with first victory in Stanley Cup finals. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk takes a big hit, leaves the ice, but returns.

Vegas Hockey Now: Golden Knights regroup. “No one said it would be easy.” Vegas was two minutes away from taking a 3-0 series lead.

Flyers, In Case You Missed It:

Carter Hart trade talk has the rumor mill churning.

Flyers prospect Helge Grans has size and talent to succeed. Grans was acquired in Ivan Provorov trade.

Analysis: Why Daniel Briere’s trade of Ivan Provorov was necessary for Flyers to rebuild.

“Bullies” is a proposed TV series focusing on the Stanley Cup champion Flyers.

Around The National Hockey Network:

Boston Hockey Now: Bruins’ Tyler Bertuzzi is “pretty intent” on trying free agency: source.

Buffalo Hockey Now: Sabres need to sign young defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power to contract extensions.

Chicago Hockey Now: Reviewing the Blackhawks’ draft that landed Alex DeBrincat.

Colorado Hockey Now: Should Avalanche pursue Jets center Pierre-Luc Dubois?

Detroit Hockey Now: Independent scouts assess Red Wings’ top five prospects.

Montreal Hockey Now: Taking a look at Canadiens’ top three buyout candidates.

New Jersey Hockey Now: What we’re hearing about Devils’ unrestricted free agents.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Isles sign Finnish forward Eetu Liukas to entry-level contract.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: What a goalie surplus means for Penguins.

San Jose Hockey Now: Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson wins The Victoria Prize, awarded in honor of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. The award is given every summer to celebrate the season of a top Swedish athlete or team.