PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: An overall view of the arena is shown prior to the start of this afternoon's game featuring the Philadelphia Flyers against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 15, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Tanner Laczynski and Wade Allison had tons of pressure on them the moment their Senior seasons ended for Ohio State and Western Michigan University. A once late round draft pick from the 2016 NHL Draft, in Laczynski, everyone that is passionate or a die-hard of the orange and black wanted to know as soon as possible if he would sign or not sign? Well, it happened as did Allison, “I don’t know if they need a year or two of seasoning,” Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher said yesterday in a Conference Call, “These are players that will be 23-years-old next season. They both have put a lot of time in it at the collegiate level. They both have size and strength attributes that typically takes a 19 and 20 year old kids a lot longer to acquire. They’re men. They are good hockey players. I expect that they’ll challenge for spots right away. Whether they can make it, time will tell. They’re players that are very close to being able to step in and play.”
Make no mistake about it Fletcher is very high on both of these prospects, as he should be. Laczynski is a hidden gem, and Allison fills the void of a net from presence that the Flyers have missed since trading Wayne Simmonds. The question is are they NHL ready, and are there spots? Let’s break this down, and take a look if both or even one could crack the lineup in the Fall.
The young Broncos product in Allison just wants to show people that the Flyers did not make a mistake by drafting him. If a person has seen Allison play in prior years, then he or she would notice his gifted hands. He can shoot and pass on top of being a physical guy. Allison enjoyed a great freshman year by registering 12 goals, and 17 assists for a total of 29 points in 36 games played. He really enjoyed the pressure of his first year. In turn, it actually made him a more physical player, as Allison explained that to me in 2017 during an interview.
Injuries have really derailed his collegiate career last season, and a good part of this season, as well. It’s ashame for a gifted big man like Allison to endure these injuries, as he told the media in June at Developmental Camp that last year’s injuries really took a toll on him “Mentally.”
Hopefully, Allison can see the light at the end of the tunnel with his injuries finally in the rear view mirror. Allison is more than experienced enough to handle the rigors of a full AHL season, and a sustainable future in the NHL. For the season, a Bronco in Allison registered 10 goals, 13 apples, and was a plus 11 in 26 games played. He enjoyed a pretty solid Senior season if I say so myself, and Allison can definitely play in the bottom six eventually with the Flyers.
Result- Allison needs a bit more seasoning, and the AHL is a good league to do that in. Unfortunately, injuries put him a step behind a bit in my opinion, so I think it makes the most sense if he starts his Professional career in the AHL. The Flyers are stocked within their lineup on the Wing, and in this includes the farm (Carsen Twarynski, David Kase). The Flyers will be in need of a physical player like Allison, so he will be up with the big club sooner rather than later. There is also uncertainty to Oskar Lindblom, but Fletcher can address that as he gets more information in the off-season. Now let’s take a look at Laczynski.
It wasn’t the easiest decision for Laczynski to make, as he decided to not turn Pro to return to the Buckeyes for his Senior season, “Yea I have been in touch with Chuck about some things,” Laczynski stated last year, “He’s open to talking with me about my future plans. I took some time to think about it, talked about my future. I’m excited about my Senior season.”
Laczynski was born June 1, 1997, in Shorewood, IL. The Flyers drafted him in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Draft. After completing his Junior season with the Buckeyes Men’s Ice Hockey Team, Laczynski amassed 10 goals, and 20 assists for a total of 30 points in 27 games played. These numbers were very strong for an injury-riddled season that he endured in 2018-19. Injuries slowed down his scoring pace, as he finished the season 17 points below his 2017-18 Sophmore season for the Buckeyes. However, even with these strong numbers, Laczynski felt as though he should have performed better.
When Laczynski was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award last season he was absolutely elated. Being nominated again for the same award this past season, I’m sure Laczynski shared the same emotion as the previous season. Laczynski finished his Collegiate hockey career as a three time nominee for the Hobey Baker Award (To include this season), that’s pretty darn impressive to say the least.
After watching film on Laczynski from this past season at Ohio State, he looked like a player of the future. He was confident, good with his hands, and physical. This is exactly the prototype player that the Flyers are in need of right now. Laczynski stands at 6’1″ and weighs 205 pounds, and he provides size down the Middle or on the Wing if need be. Believe it or not Laczynski is also a good board battler, and his engine never stops running.
It’s no secret that the Flyers have been restocking the farm system for the past few years. In the end Fletcher pulled it off and was able to sign Laczynski. Major kudos to former General Manager Ron Hextall for plucking this hidden gem in the 6th round of the 2016 draft.
Result- Laczynski is NHL ready, and the sky is the limit for this young man. Even though, he is NHL ready, Joel Farabee did a brief stint with the Phantoms when he turned Pro. Yes, Farabee was only 19-years-old, whereas Laczynski is 22-years-old, however, there was a little more opportunity with more spots available for Farabee to make the club out of camp. Laczynski could very well start off his NHL career as a fourth-line Center when his number gets called, but I believe he will do a brief stint with the Phantoms, much like Farabee, and get called-up after a handful games.
Whatever the case maybe, both Allison and Laczynski will get fresh starts with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms next season. Hopefully, they can showcase their skills with the Phantoms, and sustain successful careers with the Flyers in the NHL.
