Philadelphia Flyers 2023 NHL Draft: 1st-Round Targets

Draft Day has arrived for the Philadelphia Flyers. With two picks in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, the team will be looking for opportunities to see where they can start to further improve their future with perhaps a pair of substantial prospects entering the system.

To get you ready for the first round, let’s start by looking at some targets for the Flyers at both the seventh and 22nd overall picks.

5 Targets at 7th Overall

• RW Matvei Michkov – Outside of Bedard, there was a lot of discussion that Michkov was potentially the prospect with the next highest ceiling. He’s got a lot of potential as an offensive forward that can score, be a playmaker, and competes at a high level. The question marks on him are partially out of his control. The Russian prospect has to navigate the political environment of his home country, particularly after signing a three-year extension with SKA St. Petersburg that would keep him there through 2025-26. If a team is willing to wait that out, and the Flyers certainly fall on the time frame, he could become a steal at seven if he lasts.
• RW/C Ryan Leonard – If Benson is the small forward of the group, Leonard has the tenacity of a power forward. It’s clear he’s got the scoring chops, but the motor never stops and he’s constantly moving. He may be attractive to the Flyers for another reason. He’s one of several prospects near the top of the draft committed to play next season at Boston College, right alongside last year’s first-round pick Cutter Gauthier.
• LW Zach Benson – The first round is loaded with talented forwards, and Benson may be among the most talented. His offensive skill set is creative, deceptive, and possesses all of the qualities you want in a scorer. But his game is also well-rounded, a playmaker for his teammates and a strong defensive forward at that.
• C Dalibar Dvorsky – Each of the first three forwards on this list all stand out for their offensive prowess. Dvorsky can certainly provide the skill needed to be a production forward, but his two-way ability can make him a well-rounded player that is hard to pass up.
• D David Reinbacher – As mentioned, the top of the draft is going to be heavy with forwards, but teams are always looking for defensemen that they can build around. Reinbacher may fit the bill. The right-handed defenseman probably won’t light up the scoresheet by any means, but he’s as steady as they come defensively. His skating is smooth, and he can transition well that his offensive production could frequently come off the rush.

5 Targets at 22nd Overall

• LW Gabriel Perreault – The numbers on Perreault are eye-popping, 53 goals and 132 points in 63 games for the US National Team Development Program. That’s more points for a USNTDP product in his draft year than Auston Matthews or Jack Hughes. Perreault’s scoring and playmaking should carry to the NHL level, maybe not at near as high a clip, but for a team looking for skill, he’s certainly one to watch.
• RW Gavin Brindley – An all-situations player who possesses the skill needed at both ends of the ice. He had a high motor, is tenacious on the forecheck, reliable defensively, strong skater. All of the foundational qualities are there for the Michigan product.
• D Dmitry Simashev – A smooth skating defenseman that also possesses great size at 6’4″, 201 pounds. He moves with power and agility. Simashev is also a physical specimen in this draft, and his size and physicality all project well in the NHL. If anything, his defensive foundation is so strong, it’s his offensive prowess that could use some improvement, and could come with time and development.
• C Brayden Yager – The signature of Yager’s game is his shots. It’s quick, powerful, explosive. There’s no denying he’ll be able to score at the next level. He can set up goals as well, but could be a prime candidate at this pick because he’s not as creative as some of the forwards at the top. There’s some fine points that need to be worked in his game, but he could become a solid NHLer.
• D Mikhail Gulyayev – If you’re looking to build from the blue line and looking for defenseman who can skate well, Gulyayev could certainly be an option. Strong on his feet at both ends of the ice, he can flat-out explode with acceleration. Being quick on his feet can also help in his defensive ability, though there are some areas to improve there, as well as in offensive awareness to use his skating to join a play.