Photo Credit: Rob Wilton
It’s never too early to start talking about the NHL Draft, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team come June. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman? These are some very valid questions that people have.
In year’s past the Flyers relied heavily on Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr, and Chuck Fletcher for overall success during the draft. In actuality, Fletcher appears to have done well with drafting. Gone are those days, as this year the Flyers new Interim General Manager Daniel Briere will have his first draft with the orange and black with having this said title. With that being said, a Right-Handed puck moving defenseman in Mazden Leslie is one of the smoothest skaters in the draft, and he might catch the eye of Briere in the third to sixth rounds. Leslie stands at 6’1 weighs 193 pounds, and he was a ‘C’ level prospect in NHL Central Scouting’s players to watch preliminary list that was published in October. Central Scouting has since slotted Leslie at No. 125 among North American skaters in their rankings and he is ranked NO. 85 by Draft Prospects Hockey, “You try not to think about it, but it’s always in the back of your mind,” Leslie said of possibly being drafted into the NHL in June. “If you have a chance to get drafted you’re lucky.”
Leslie can transition with the best of them, “I learned that you can’t just play one side of the puck,” Leslie said. “You need to play both sides to be effective. I have been working on being more consistent, trying to get shots on net and creating opportunities offensively. That’s something I have worked on.”
The 18-year-old in Leslie was born on April, 15, 2005, in Lloydminster, AB, CAN. This native of Canada found a passion and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age, and as a matter of fact I’m sure he started skating when he was just two-three years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Vancouver Giants, where he torched the league en route to a career season (12g,38a in 66 games played). This young man in Leslie has not only done well with the offensive side of the puck, but defensively, as well, “I have worked on my defensive game and I’m just keep trying to get better. I’ve excelled at gap control and boxing out. Just trying to get better in my own zone.”
This 18-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him. Moreover, he worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2022-23 season. Mazden is physical when need be, and he transitions like the breeze of the wind. Moreover, Mazden’s bread and butter is the power play. He smiled and laughed when I asked him about the man advantage, to which he has a great shot from the point that is highly accurate. He has a good hockey IQ and has great vision of the ice, “My family has been great,” Mazden said. They actually helped define him into the player he is today, along with a laundry list of coaches.
Don’t forget he will stick up for his teammates when need be too:
This young prospect from Canada really opened some eyes, and showcased his skills as he’s on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of getting drafted into the NHL. It shows just how good Mazden really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey really sets himself apart from other prospects. Maybe he will compare being drafted into the NHL, like the day he was drafted by the Giants in the WHL.
