Meet Daniel Briere’s Promising Flyers’ Draft Class

General manager Daniel Briere and the Philadelphia Flyers selected 10 players at the NHL Draft in Nashville. Some of the 10 young men will be tasked with returning the Philadelphia Flyers’ franchise to respectability.

It’s way too early to know how many of these draft picks will play with the Flyers, or succeed with the Flyers. But based on scouting reports and evaluations, Briere’s first draft class has a future star in Matvei Michkov and plenty of promise.

We’ll take a look at the Flyers’ 10 players (with round, overall pick, height, weight, position, last team, and comment).

Matvei Michkov

Round 1, 7 overall

Height, weight: 6-0, 159,

Position: RW

Last team: HC Sochi, Russia

Michkov could be the beginning of the solution that turns around the Flyers’ franchise. His talent might rival that of top pick Connor Bedard. If so, Philadelphia might have gotten the best value in the draft.

His NHL Central Scouting final ranking was 2 among international skaters.

Oliver Bonk

Round 1, 22 overall

Height, weight: 6-2, 180

Position: D

Last team: London Knights

Bonk was described by The Hockey Writers as: “Solid skating, great defensive instincts, and a strong offensive game plan that allows him to play anywhere on the ice effectively.”

Bonk projects to a top-four defensemen. He is a valued right-handed shot. His final Central Scouting rankings were the 20th-best North American skater and third-best North American defenseman.

His dad, Radek, played 969 NHL games for the Senators, Canadians and Predators.

Carson Bjarnason

Round 2, 51 overall

Height, weight: 6-3, 186

Position: G

Last team: Brandon Wheat Kings

Bjarnason said he likes to emulate two goalies — the Flyers’ Carter Hart and the Canadiens’ Carey Price. 

“I watch every game [played by Hart], he’s one of my favorite goalies,” Bjarnason said. “Since Price has stopped playing, [Hart is] the one guy I’ve been watching. So it’ll be pretty cool to go to [development] camp.”

His final Central Scouting ranking was 1 among North American goaltenders.

Egor Zavragin

Round 3, 87 overall

Height, weight: 6-3, 183

Position: G

Last team: Mamonty Yurgy

“Egor is one of our high-rated goalies that we had. We had a group of goalies that we were high on, and he was one of them. We thought he has too good a value to pass up,” Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr said. “He is a talented kid. He is over in a good program over there [Russia]. Obviously, we have time for him to develop.”

His final Central Scouting ranking was 12 among European Union goaltenders.

Denver Barkey

Round 3, 95 overall

Height, weight: 5-9, 155

Position: C

Last team: London Knights

Barkey and Bonk were teammates at London. Barkey is an excellent passer and playmaker and is known for his high energy. Though undersized, Barkey has potential to be a solid second-line center.

His final Central Scouting ranking was 79 among North American skaters.

Cole Knuble

Round 4, 103 overall

Height, weight: 5-11, 184

Position: C

Last team: Fargo Force

Cole’s dad, Mike, played two seasons with Flyers GM Daniel Briere. Mike Knuble played 16 NHL seasons. Briere said he remembered Cole the youngster in the locker room and on the practice ice.

Cole is going to Notre Dame in the fall. His final Central Scouting ranking was 105 among North American skaters.

Alex Ciernik

Round 4, 120 overall

Height, weight: 5-11, 176

Position: LW

Last team: Vasterviks IK

One scout said Ciernik could be a huge surprise with his puck awareness and strong skating ability. He is Slovakian but said he never lived there. He was born in Germany and played in Sweden. His dad, Ivan, played 89 games in the NHL over five seasons.

His final Central Scouting ranking was 21 among European Union skaters.

Carter Sotheran

Round 5, 135 overall

Height, weight: 6-3, 197

Position: D

Last team: Portland Winterhawks

Sotheran’s strength is his transition game. He quickly turns defense into offense with his breakout passing. His final Central Scouting ranking was 71 among North American skaters.

Ryan MacPherson

Round 6, 172 overall

Height, weight: 6-0, 167

Position: F

Last team: Leamington Flyers

Ryan played with his twin brother, Connor, this past season with Leamington. Flahr said Thursday that Connor will be invited to next week’s Development Camp with his brother.

Ryan’s final Central Scouting ranking was 211 among North American skaters.

Matteo Mann

Round 7, 199 overall

Height, weight: 6-5, 222

Position: D

Last team: Chicoutimi Sagueneens

His dad, Trent Mann, is the assistant general manager of the Ottawa Senators. Matteo has size, enjoys hitting and is a strong skater. He is known for his punishing checks. One scouting service thought Mann would be a top-100 pick.

His final Central Scouting ranking was 84 among North American skaters.

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Flyers, In Case You Missed It:

Opinion: Daniel Briere’s selection of Matvei Michkov has given Flyers’ fans hope.

Opinion: Flyers want to draft Michkov and will trade up if necessary.

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