Power forward K.J. Sauer plots his path to the pros, joining a surging wave of Philadelphia prospects heading to the NCAA after an upcoming stint in the WHL.
In due time, the Philadelphia Flyers will have yet another one of their prospects joining the NCAA ranks and going the college route for their development.
On Friday, new Flyers draft pick K.J. Sauer, drafted 136th overall in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft, announced his commitment to the University of Minnesota-Deluth, making him one of a growing group of Flyers prospects developing in the NCAA ranks.
Sauer, 18, was a star forward at Andover High in Minnesota and finished his 2025-26 season with the USHL Lincoln Stars, scoring five points in five games before adding an assist in eight postseason games.
Heading into next year, though, Sauer will be changing pace again, playing a season with the WHL Edmonton Oil Kings before he jumps to Minnesota-Deluth in 2027-28.
The 6-foot-3 forward is following in the footsteps of several Flyers prospects before him; recent draft picks like Jack Nesbitt and Matthew Gard also recently committed to college, signing on with Michigan and Michigan State, respectively.
