Philadelphia Flyers 2024 Prospect Rankings, Top 19-11

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.

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 is the second of a three-part instalment breaking down the organization's top 25 prospects. Stay on the lookout for the next piece for the Top 10 ranked prospects.

Top 25 Prospects (19-11)

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

19. Ryan MacPherson - Penticton Vees, BCHL

18 • C • 6'0" / 176 Ibs • Left handed • Round 6, 172nd overall in 2023

The BCHL is known as a "scoring league" where it's easier to put up points compared to more competitive leagues. Meaning if a prospect cannot create opportunities for scoring in this league, they have a low chance of getting a look.

Despite coming out of the BCHL, Ryan MacPherson, 18, has encouraging numbers as a two-way forward. As a sixth-rounder, putting up the numbers he is, that's very encouraging. Especially with the Flyers currently in a rebuilding phase. MacPherson has a chance to make a name for himself with a middle-six upside in the foreseeable future.

After this season, MacPherson is committed to the University of New Hampshire, allowing scouts to see if his point totals can translate well to the college level. An 11-goal, 18-assist performance in 29 games is impressive, regardless of the level of competition. MacPherson is a competitive two-way forward who provides a point-per-game on the Penticton Vees team, which currently leads the Interior BCHL division. He leads the club in points, is among the league leaders in goals and assists, and has been named a BCHL All-Star this season.

18. Elliot Desnoyers - Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL

21 • LW • 5'11" / 183 Ibs • Right handed • Round 5, 135th overall in 2020

Elliot Desnoyers, 21, is exceptional at creating offense on his off-wing playing in Allentown. He is a defensive first forward who is reliable on both ends of the ice. In 25 games this season he has four goals, provided eight assists, and earned 12 points - among the team lead. At the start of the 2022-23 season, he played four games with the Flyers but recorded zeros across the board.

He used that as motivation after being sent down to Lehigh Valley. In 65 games, he had 23 goals and 44 points and scored another goal in three playoff games. Desnoyers is a player who focuses on his defensive responsibilities and works hard to ensure his teammates succeed. He is skilled at playing off the puck, surveying the ice, and acting in the best interest of his team. Elliot Desnoyers is a huge locker-room presence.

Desnoyers was selected for Team Canada's World Junior roster in 2020, where he managed to record three assists in 2 games, but unfortunately, the tournament was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the previous year, he was named captain of the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) and had an impressive record of 88 points (42 goals and 46 assists) in 61 games during that season.

He played for the QMJHL for four years. He amassed 203 points in 220 games. Elliot Desnoyers has not been able to replicate these numbers, focusing more on his defensive play. He remains a potential playmaking threat on the ice.

17. Owen McLaughlin - North Dakota, NCHC

21 • C • 6'0" / 183 Ibs • Left handed • Round 7, 206th overall in 2021

Owen McLaughlin, 21, can be a valuable middle-six player for the Philadelphia Flyers. However, he needs to gain some muscle, improve his skating skills and develop his overall game to achieve this goal. Despite being a seventh-rounder, he has shown promise of being a tremendous centerman — in a prospect pool that lacks depth down the middle.

During his rookie season at North Dakota, he scored only 15 points in 37 games. But this season, he has made remarkable progress, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists for 15 points in just 17 games.

It's worth mentioning that he fought through an undisclosed injury early in the season. McLaughlin's game has transitioned well from the USHL, where he scored over 70 points in 62 games. Even though his sample size of 62 games is much broader than that of his last two seasons (37 or 17 games played), he has the required skills and work ethic to excel. McLaughlin is a dynamic point producer, but he needs to gain muscle, enhance his speed, and continue to develop his overall game to reach his full potential.

16. Hunter McDonald - Northeastern University, NCAA

21 • D • 6'4" / 205 Ibs • Left handed • Round 6, 165th overall in 2022

Hunter McDonald, 21, was a Chuck Fletcher draft pick, which typically creates concern after a tough go in the front office over the years. In this case, it is the opposite—a big-bodied shutdown defenseman at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds.

Unfortunately, after a well-structured rookie season, a plus-minus of 21 and 14 points in 35 games, he suffered an undisclosed injury one game into the 2023-24 season. He is setting his development back significantly. Injuries may draw as a concern in the future if this is everlasting. The 21-year-old has not played since October 7th, — with an assist and strong defense in a 7-0 win. He is showing a lot of upsides in his overall game, making for a multi-skilled defenseman.

An injury has sidelined him from action. But when he is back in the lineup, he will be noticeable from the get-go that he has been. McDonald returned to action without skipping a beat, registering his second assist on the season in as many games. He draws defenders out with his size, creates rebounds and scoring chances with his shot and sets up his teammates in the offensive zone.

Given his size, he makes for a reliable defenseman. Although drafted in the sixth round, McDonald could make some noise over the next few years, with second-pairing upside and a promising future. A slept-on prospect and could be a steal for the Flyers in due time.

15. Devin Kaplan - Boston University, NCAA

19 • RW • 6'3" / 204 Ibs • Right handed • Round 3, 69th overall in 2022

Devin Kaplan, 19, possesses the necessary skills, size, and hockey IQ to become a middle-six, two-way forward, and this is something that the Flyers' fans are already acquainted with, thanks to Noah Cates and Sean Couturier. While Kaplan may not be the next Couturier, he shares some qualities of a young Sean Couturier.

His size can be both a weakness and a strength for the 19-year-old, and it will require patience to develop him into a complete player. Players of his size take longer to fulfill their potential, and the Philadelphia Flyers organization is well aware of this. Kaplan has time on his side to improve his skating and speed.

Having only spent a season and a half at the university, he can remain enrolled for at least the next two years. During this time, he can further develop his skills and prepare for a potential career in the show. In 56 games, Kaplan has already achieved a positive plus/minus of 17 and scored 33 points (13 goals and 20 assists). His performance shows that he has the upside to become a multi-talented player.

14. Yegor Zavragin - Mamonty Yugry, MHL

18 • G • 6'2" / 183 Ibs • Left handed • Round 3, 87th overall in 2023

The Flyers' goalie situation was scarce before the 2023 draft. Danny Briere aimed to fix that. Carson Bjarnason and Yegor Zavragin were both flying under the radar this summer. Yegor Zavragin, 18, has only had one season where his save percentage dipped below .900. Since then, he has been excelling, performing at over .930, a season with a 1.74 goals-against average over the past two seasons.

It is important to note that Zavragin plays in the MHL/VHL, but you cannot ignore his impressive stats at such a young age. He was named VHL Rookie of the Week and has been solid between the pipes, splitting 17 games this season between Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (VHL) and Mamonty Yugry (MHL), posting outstanding numbers in both leagues. Now playing in the VHL full-time, at least for the rest of this season.

In 10 games played in the VHL, Zavragin has recorded a perfect 9-0-0 win/lose record, with three shutouts, a 1.12 GAA and .957 SV%. If he keeps this pace at .957, he is on track to have the best VHL season ever. No goalie with 15+ games has ever carried a .956 SV%. As for the MHL, he tallied two less wins, one regulation loss and two overtime losses. Undeterred by the extra losses, Zavragin posted a .945 SV% and a 1.63 GAA, with another two shutouts.

He is a quick, athletic goaltender. He has great rebound control and an excellent glove hand. He could easily be higher on this list. It is just a matter of sample size and if he can continue these numbers. Be that as it may, he could be a dangerous prospect in the following years. Remember the name Yegor Zavragin.

13. Alex Bump - Western Michigan, NCHC

20 • LW • 6'0" / 194 Ibs • Left handed • Round 5, 133rd overall in 2022

Last year, the Flyers took a chance on Alex Bump, 20, who expertly manoeuvres through defenders along the boards to gain offensive entry. He has a classic toe-drag release and is also a skilled catch-and-release shooter. Before committing to the University of Western Michigan over the summer, Bump played for the Omaha Lancers and Tri-City Storm in the USHL, where he put up impressive stats.

Bump was awarded the 2022 USA Today Hockey Player of the Year. His scoring abilities were on full display in his final year with the Lancers, racking up 83 points in 31 games. The 6-foot forward was set to start his freshman season at the University of Vermont this fall, but his former head coach, Todd Woodcroft, was fired in mid-July. As a result, Bump entered the transfer portal and announced via Instagram that he would play for Western Michigan in the 2023-24 season.

He is a 20-year-old physical winger who has been doing well in recent games. He has scored one goal, three assists, and four points in his last five games, with a positive plus/minus. In total Bump has eight assists and 11 points in 16 contests. These are promising signs he can become a reliable everyday NHL player and a reliable penalty killer. Bump is almost 200 pounds and has the confidence to perform well in any role. He is skilled at deking through defenders along the perimeter and can beat them in one motion to change the angle.

12. Massimo Rizzo - Denver University, NCHC

22 • C • 5'11" / 174 Ibs • Left handed • Round 7, 216th overall in 2019

The Flyers traded David Kase's rights to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Massimo Rizzo, 22, and a 2025 5th-round pick. After acquiring Rizzo, there has been a lot of debate among Flyers' fans regarding his potential to play in the NHL, considering his age and the league he currently plays in.

Although he competes against younger players, he has proven his ability to perform against higher-end talent within the NCHC, leading the league in assists and points. The Flyers require center depth. Rizzo can fit in wherever needed and is likely to succeed. He has the potential to become a top-six centerman in the NHL.

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What Rizzo lacks in size, he makes up for in versatility and skill. In spite of his small stature, he does not steer away from traffic and is not afraid to get into dirty areas. This season he leads the league with 24 assists and 31 points in 18 games. His production is not something you typically see out of a 7th-round pick.

The skill level is there. Seen as not a very strong skater but can turn on a dime, getting faster over the past two years — racing the length of the ice and dishing out beautiful passes with ease. He finds the open man and slides pucks through defenders. He has silky hands and a penchant for creative playmaking with a high top-six upside.

11. Samu Tuomaala- Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL

20 • RW • 5'10" / 174 Ibs • Right handed • Round 2, 46th overall in 2021

Finnish-born Samu Tuomaala, 20, has yet to make the Philadelphia Flyers roster outright. Before this season, he went back home playing internationally in Finland from late 2021 to early 2023. Since having a rocky start in the American League and after returning home, he has found his game again in Lehigh Valley. Tuomaala has shown unreal potential through the first 29 games of the season.

Tuomaala has eight goals on the season, leading the Phantoms in scoring and third among all American League rookies in said category. He has 17 assists and 25 points in 29 games and seven multi-point games in that span. Currently on pace for a career-high 63 points (20 goals, 42 assists) in 72 games. He reads plays extremely well, finding the puck in stride, accelerates through the ice, and drives plays all over the neutral zone.

He accelerates coast-to-coast and has a wicked wrist shot. He is a versatile threat on the power play. Not only an offensive accusation but a great two-way scoring winger. Tuomaala possesses the skill and puck-handling ability to be a valuable transition player with the ability to do as he pleases with the rock. Having the right tools in his arsenal, he can be a more diverse attacker and will translate well at a high level.

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