Part 1 of 3 counting down the top 25 prospects in the Philadelphia Flyers system.
General Manager Danny Briere has proven to be a successful addition to the front office since he was awarded the full-time general manager position. Having a big splash in-depth charts is additionally instrumental, pulling strings to both add and subtract from the current NHL roster.
This summer, Danny Briere and Keith Jones replenished the pipeline. Their depth is considered to be the product of both high selections and drafting in the later rounds. Talents such as 19-year-old Matvei Michkov, arguably the best prospect from the 2023 NHL Draft class, and Cutter Gauthier, 19, a star out of Boston College, are just a couple of examples in the deep end of the pool.
Regardless, it is still evident that the Flyers require a top-pairing defenseman as they continue to rebuild. Though none seem to be genuine top-of-the-line, there are some excellent d-men in the pipeline. More than anything, Bonk and Andrae render an effective second pairing. The upcoming 2024 draft is full of talented defensemen, and the Flyers should be able to find a solid top-pairing defenseman. If push comes to brotherly shove, taking the trade route is a viable option.
The Philadelphia Flyers were awarded the seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft. This was make or back for the Flyers faithful. Danny Briere knew that drafting Matvei Michkov. Taking a huge risk and setting up the Flyers for a veracious rebuild. Including the 19-year-old Russian, the Flyers drafted ten players in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Considering a long-term objective, the Flyers' future at last appears promising. A fresh perspective following years, perhaps even decades, of hardship, suggesting that there might be hope still. Although there is optimism, the rebuild is far from finished. Looking at what the team currently has to work with gives Flyers faithful true faith.
This will be part one of a three-part instalment breaking down the organization's top 25 prospects. Stay on the lookout for the next two pieces for the Top 19-11 and Top 10.
Top 25 Prospects (25-20)
Note: These rankings are unbiased, using data from Dobber Prospects, DP staff, PNHLe, and Elite Prospects, as well as the data I have collected over the past year while watching Flyers prospects more in-depth. I take into consideration age, league, and sample size, among other things that will be presented throughout this piece.
*All stats were last accumulated on 12/29/23
25. Matteo Mann - Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
18 • D • 6'6" / 229 Ibs • Right handed • Round 7, 199th overall in 2023
Last but certainly not least. Matteo Mann, 18, is a big-bodied defenseman who will take a while to develop. Time is a virtue both Mann and the Flyers organization acknowledge. He needs to work out all the kinks within his overall game and learn to use his stature to his advantage. Although minimal, he has powerful slapshot and loves to join the rush despite his average offensive drive.
Drafted as the Flyers' last pick in 2023 — a massive shutdown defenseman with a long reach. He was projected to go a lot earlier in the draft. Mann has the size and strength to provide hits and blocks at a nightly pace. He has the height and elements of a Chris Pronger esk defenseman. Not to compare him to Pronger, but Mann could fill a similar role as he did in Philadelphia.
Mann is a long shot to crack the NHL at no more than a fringe second-pairing defenseman. Barring that, he could be something special if everything goes according to plan, and he can turn his negatives into positives as his career progresses. Already turning things up, in his last five games, he has provided one goal, two assists and a plus-minus of 1. He surpassed his previous numbers (0 goals, 5 assists—45 games), with four assists and 6 points in 18 games.
24. Bryce Brodzinski - University of Minnesota, NCAA
23 • RW • 6'0" / 205 Ibs • Right handed • Round 7, 196th overall in 2019
Bryce Brodzinski, at 23, is an older prospect with keen numbers at the college level, but despite his age, he has a lower upside. Former General Manager Ron Hextall scouted Bryce Brodzinski. Chuck Fletcher drafted him in the 7th round in 2019. Hextall watched Brodzinski when he was in high school. Bryce reflected on it in an interview. “Hextall used to come to my games and watch me play.” In 164 games, 56 goals, 46 assists and 102 points across five years in Minnesota.
Following the draft, Brodzinski stayed close to home. He committed to the University of Minnesota. Currently, in his fifth year at the college level, the Flyers will still hold Brodzinski’s rights for an additional season because of the NCAA’s allowance for a fifth year due to the effect that COVID-19 had on the 2020-21 season. In his last five games, he has seven points (four goals and three assists). Not only can he produce at 5-on-5, but he is a diamond in the rough when it comes to the power play.
Brodzinski has the size and ability to compete at the AHL/NHL level following Minnesota's season and into the 2024 fall season. He has improved his skating since being drafted and has shown signs of producing at each level he’s been at. He is a long-term project but a worthwhile luck of the draw in the seventh round.
23. Helge Grans - Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL
21 • D • 6'3" / 205 Ibs • Right handed • Round 2, 35th overall in 2020
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired Helge Grans, 21, this past summer. A proven defenseman. In a three-way trade with the Los Angeles Kings and Columbus Blue Jackets. The former second-round pick is known for his ability to challenge the opposition and confidently handle the puck in the offensive zone.
Grans is a 6-foot-3 defenseman who skates well and uses his long reach effectively with an active stick. Despite his relatively low production, he shows promise for his age. His output decreased significantly due to a lack of playing time over the past year, but Grans remains an offensive defenseman with excellent puck skills and a dynamic shot.
Although he loves to join the rush, Grans is best suited as a defensive defenseman. He has struggled to find his offense stride over the last two seasons with three goals and 11 assists in 80 games. The 21-year-old needs to work on his decision-making and defensive play. He is a middle-pairing defenseman with a multi-category upside. The talent level is there. It is just a matter of Grans regaining his confidence.
22. Alexis Gendron - Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL
19 • RW/C • 5'10" / 180 Ibs • Left handed • Round 7, 220th overall in 2022
Since coming over from the QMJHL, Alexis Gendron, 19, looked like a promising late-round pick for the Flyers. His numbers have dropped after transitioning from the QMJHL to the AHL. With the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Gatineau Olympiques, he had impressive numbers. Over three years, with 160 games played, accumulating 94 goals, 47 assists and 141 points.
The skill level in the QMJHL and the rocky start in the AHL. Gendron is another undersized player but an elite goal scorer. Alexis Gendron has an outstanding hockey IQ and relies on his creativity to generate offense. His playmaking needs work. He can be a liability at times. All-around 200-foot game needs more seasoning.
Gendron has six points in 16 games this season and can produce on the power play, improving his overall upside at the NHL level. He has all the right tools to be successful at the NHL level, makes passes connect from almost anywhere on the ice, has a decent off-puck presence, — reads plays and anticipates the game well.
21. Jon-Randall Avon - Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL
20 • C • 6'0" / 174 Ibs • Left handed • Undrafted
J.R. Avon, 20, had two impressive seasons with the Peterborough Petes in the OHL, where he served as assistant captain. Despite having 139 points in 179 games, he went undrafted. The Flyers took a chance on him and offered him an entry-level contract. In his first season with Lehigh Valley, Avon has seven goals, three assists, and 10 points in 23 games.
His numbers at 20 years old, during his rookie year, are encouraging. He needs to progress and add some size over the next couple of seasons to secure a regular spot on the main roster. Avon possesses immense talent, more there than meets the eye.
Jon-Randall Avon has incredible speed, can create scoring opportunities while on the move, and can score goals in various ways. He needs to work on his all-around game and build some strength. If he does so, he has the potential to become a quality forward, and the Flyers can utilize his skills on the power play.
20. Olle Lycksell - Lehigh Valley Phantoms - AHL
20 • RW/C • 5'11" / 174 Ibs • Left handed • Round 6, 168th overall in 2017
Albeit Olle Lycksell, 20, drafted in 2017, he has only played nine games in the NHL with 1 assist in that span. Yet another depth piece down the middle for the Flyers. Since his AHL debut coming over from the SHL (a Swedish league where he spent five seasons), he has 66 points across 77 games in his American League career. During his rookie year, he had 45 points and is pacing for 59 points in his sophomore year.
An undersized center and winger with quality hands, a dynamic forward with an accurate wrist shot who is not afraid to create scoring chances or make a risky play. Lycksell has a scoring touch with reliable, decent offensive potential. With more strength and development, a bottom-six role is sustainable, carrying a middle-six ceiling.
Lycksell, regardless of age, has 12 goals and 21 points this season. Leading the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in goals and among team leaders in points and assists (9). He is on a two-game point streak, with 2 points in as many games.
*Look for Part Two to come out tomorrow with the 19-11 ranked prospects.
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