(Photo: Kevin Durso/Sports Talk Philly)
By Chris DiFrancesco, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
When the Flyers drafted Travis Konecny with the 24th pick of the first in 2015, GM Ron Hextall knew what he had.
Konecny, 19, lit up the OHL in 2015-16, netting 101 points in just 60 games between the Ottawa 67's and Sarnia Sting, good for eighth in the entire league. Konecny would miss significant time due to injuries, halting his stellar productivity.
The Clachan, Ontario native was arguably the most valuable pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, and that's after the Flyers selected defenseman Ivan Provorov just 17 picks earlier with the seventh overall pick.
It was unexpected that a kid as talented as Konecny would fall to 24, but Hextall pulled the trigger quickly and snatched up a bonafide star in the making. As soon as the draft had ended, Flyers fans felt that their team may have just drafted a superstar minutes after the team also selected the best-rated defenseman of that class.
Konecny easily possesses the skill set to become a top-six forward almost immediately if he makes the Flyers final roster before Oct. 14. His intensity and knack for putting the puck in the net will finally give Flyers captain Claude Giroux a consistent threat to play with. Konecny will most certainly be paired with Jake Voracek and Giroux throughout preseason games giving a legitimate look from head coach Dave Hakstol.
What will benefit Konecny immensely will be the absences of Giroux, Voracek, and Sean Couturier due to the World Cup of hockey. That'll give Konecny his fair share of Hakstol's attention. There's no rush in bringing Konecny to the main roster, however, with the plethora of young studs in their system the Flyers may think about starting the future earlier than expected.
We asked NHL.com's Mike Morreale a few questions regarding Konecny's strengths, weaknesses, and future on the Flyers roster. Below is the Q & A with Morreale.
When Konecny was coming out in the 2015 Draft, how did you profile him? What was your scouting report?
"Konecny was bestowed one of the highest honors the day after he was drafted by the Flyers when NHL Central Scouting awarded him the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence. This is rather significant in that it was the first year the award was presented and it goes to the draft-eligible prospect who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism. That alone speaks volumes to the type of player, person Konecny is and will become.
"He's one of those high-character players, who brings skill, competitiveness, and he can play virtually in any situation and deliver. He's a player the coach can trust because he leads by example and teammates trust him. He has high character and no maintenance and he has the skills that he can contribute.
"He was voted 'Best Skater' and finished second in the voting for 'Best Stickhandler' in the Ontario Hockey League Eastern Conference coaches' poll as a member of the Ottawa 67's in 2014-15."
What are Konecny's weaknesses that may hinder him from being in the NHL this season at only 19?
"The only area where Konecny may need to improve is in his own end of the ice. I think he'd be the first to admit that as well. Other than that, it's tough to find any major flaws. He served as a captain with the 67's in two straight seasons, so he not only is a solid offensive player but a leader in the locker room."
Do you see Konecny being a superstar player as advertised?
"I believe Konecny will be a solid professional. He'll definitely play in the NHL at some point and play for a long time. I project him to be a top-line forward; he certainly has that ability with hard work. He's a great skater, goal scorer and one of the hardest workers on the ice — and we know how hard work is received in the City of Brotherly Love."
Of all the Flyers top young prospects, where would you rank Konecny?
"He'd probably be ranked right behind defensive prospect Ivan Provorov. Konecny told NHL.com during Flyers development camp that he added about nine pounds to his 5'10" frame, up to 175 pounds. His strength and size at this stage of his career might be the only thing keeping him from earning a spot on the roster this season. He had 30 goals and was tied for seventh in the Ontario Hockey League with 101 points in 60 games last season with Ottawa and Sarnia. I suspect he'll spend one more season in Sarnia."
Lastly, do you envision Konecny playing alongside Claude Giroux?
"Konecny can play center or right wing, so, sure, I can envision him one day playing alongside Giroux. He's also known for his playmaking ability so he'll be able to get the puck to Giroux and will find open space on the ice to retrieve passes from the Flyers captain. His greatest assets are his speed and shot, so he'd fit in with Giroux pretty nicely. We'll see, though."
