The signs point to selecting a forward with the seventh overall pick for the Flyers. That's the bulk of the top prospects in the draft.
But later in the first round, the defensemen begin to pile up and become prime targets.
The Flyers have a second pick at the close of the first round, and several prime candidates to choose from if they want to balance out the selection of a forward with a defenseman.
Here is a draft profile on St. John's defenseman Thomas Chabot.
Chabot brings an offensive prowess to his game. He scored 12 goals and added 29 assists for 41 points in 66 games. But what was more impressive this season was his defensive improvement.
In the 2013-14 season, Chabot was a minus-29. This season, in 11 more games, he was a plus-6, a difference of 35 goals.
In addition to his improved defensive play, Chabot used his defensive awareness to aid his already present offensive skills. His outlet passes are strong. He still jumps up on the play and is a good puck carrier.
He registered 62 penalty minutes and certainly has a physical presence to his game. His skating ability and reach to break up passes is more notable on the defensive end, though some believe he plays with his body too much needs to add more muscle to do so effectively.
Defensively, the 6'2", 179-pound Chabot is still a work in progress, but his growth has been impressive. And it's hard to argue with the results. As a late first-round projection, he's going to need some time before being NHL ready, but he's got very good potential as an all-purpose defenseman who will likely fit into a second pair.
That's none too bad for a defenseman who was essentially off the radar as year ago.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
