Flyers Draft Pick Scouting Report: Isaac Ratcliffe

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Flyers used another trade early on Saturday and Day 2 to move up to the 35th overall pick, trading the 44th overall pick, the 75th overall pick and the 108th overall pick.

With the pick, the Flyers selected left wing Isaac Ratcliffe from the Guelph Storm.

Let's get to know the newest member of the Orange and Black a little bit better. Here is a scouting report on Isaac Ratcliffe.

Isaac Ratcliffe
Guelph Storm (OHL)
LW
18 years old
6'5", 196 pounds
2016-17 Stats: 67 GP, 28 G, 26 A, 54 P, 65 PIM, -2

Strengths

• Excellent size
• Good offensive instincts
• Accurate shot
• Physical presence
• Solid skater for a power forward

Analysis

Ratcliffe is a big kid. He's listed on some early draft reports as 6'5", but has been noted to even be 6'6". He's also got some good skill for a power forward. A natural winger with the ability to score, good skating ability and a gifted offensive player, Ratcliffe has a well-rounded offensive game that certainly made him a possible first-round player.

What the Flyers are getting here is a big, physical power forward who can go to the net, compete to make plays and use his skill when needed.

Weaknesses

• Skating quickness and acceleration
• Defensive play
• Needs to add muscle

Analysis

The biggest weakness for Ratcliffe is his quickness and acceleration. This is probably one of the only parts of his game holding him back at this point. He needs to continue to get faster and another year in the OHL could help that. He'll need some development for sure.

His defensive play could use some work, but he has a good foundation there as well, playing time on the penalty kill and has shown good knowledge for his defensive responsibilities. For a player his size, he does need to fill out with some added muscle to continue forming into a powerful and physical presence in the NHL.

What Scouts Say

"Lots to like about his game, good size, speed, solid work ethic. Skating has improved slightly, still needs to improve. Played on top line, power play and some PK time. Good net front presence." – ISS Hockey Director of Scouting Dennis MacInnis

"Intriguing package of size and skill. Quick release on his shot. Good defensive posture. Not overly physical for a big body." – ISS Hockey Scout Matt Manners

"It's hard to find a 6'6" forward with puck skills who skates as well as he does. He's a rarity and I think he'll become a top-six forward at the NHL level one day." – Hockey Prospect Scout Ryan Yessie

"A blossoming power-forward in the making who has game breaking ability. His body size alone makes him an impressive prospect but when you couple that with his work ethic and his skillset he is a prospect that has everyone drooling over him; as long as he lives up to his potential and continues to work at improving." – Scout for Future Considerations

Comparison: Kevin Hayes

Projection: Top-6 Goal-scoring Power Winger

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