Photo Credit: Hitmen.com (Calgary Hitmen)
The Flyers just released their Development Camp Roster and, while most names on that list should come as no surprise, one name that fans may not be so familiar with (but that they will know by the end of camp) is invitee Jackson van de Leest. This 6’7 238-pound defenseman who plays the left side is an absolute beast and, to this writer’s credit (as evidenced by these two previous articles I wrote back in 2020) is a player that I desperately wanted the Flyers to select in the 7th round that same year.
Posted on October 6th, 2020:
Posted on August 3rd, 2020:
Even though it did not happen at that time I guess it’s better late than never as Flyers’ general manager (GM) Chuck Fletcher seems to finally have had time to catch up on some of my articles after quite the busy off season so far (obvious sarcasm).
Bringing in this goliath of a defenseman into camp, who plays the game the way it should be played (PHYSICALLY!), continues a trend which Chuck seems to be focused on this summer. That trend is bringing in defensively-responsible blueliners with leadership qualities who finish their checks, are able to clear the front of the net, and can stand up for a fellow teammate when needed. As you will see below these are all traits that this former assistant captain excels at.
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Fight video
Jackson van de Leest, like Flyers’ prospect Egor Zamula and everyday NHL’er Travis Sanheim before him played his junior hockey as a member of the Calgary Hitmen who belong to the Western Hockey League. And, over the last five seasons with the Hitmen, van de Leest has developed into quite the shutdown defender. Playing in a total of 195 games played for Calgary, Jackson managed to score 8 goals and 59 assists for 67 points. More importantly though, van de Leest was also able to total 212 penalty minutes during that time. This is significant because no longer are the Flyers looking to be a place of employment that facilitates job opportunities for the new age meek-and-mild defenders like the ones that (strangely enough) former GM Ron Hextall drafted and signed; Instead, they are beginning to look like the team of old that welcomes players who make their opponents regret their decision to ever play hockey each and every time they cross center ice- Much like these Flyers defensemen of old did: Ed Van Impe, Andre “Moose” Dupont, Behn Wilson, Luke Richardson, Derian Hatcher, Jason Smith, and Chris Pronger.
As evidenced by the NHL playoffs the past few seasons, the league is once again becoming more physical and with names like Ryan Reaves now with the Rangers, Tom Wilson still in D.C., and Matt Martin/ Ross Johnson still patrolling the Isle up in New York, the Flyers’ journey through the Metro Division doesn’t look to be getting any more genial any time soon.
So, with that being said, having a player on your roster with the particular skill set Jackson van de Leest possess is a must once again! This is not the only part of Jackson’s game though: His expansive wingspan allows him to poke check the puck with ease from the oppositions’ assailants and, if his opponents are unlucky enough to get lured into his awaiting grasp, van de Leest will wipe them totally out of the play altogether.
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With this much-anticipated camp invite, Jackson will finally get the chance he so deserves. While he will surely try and make the most out of it, just remember to keep an eye out (or towards the sky in this case) for the 6’7 defensive prospect wearing number 81 in the coming weeks when you attend the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, New Jersey.
If he is that big and with the great wing span why did he go undrafted ?
Because he doesn’t fit into the stereotypical mold of today’s 50 point scoring NHL defensemen.