Photo Credit: Team USA
The Flyers finally have drafted a player that can score and play with a physical edge to his game in Devin Kaplan at pick 69 and he’s a local product from Bridgewater, NJ, “He’s a power forward,” Vice President & Assistant General Manager, Brent Flahr said. “He’s strong on pucks down low. He’s heavy. He plays physical. He’s a tough kid. At the same time, he started making plays and showing a lot more confidence with the puck.”
Kaplan was selected by the orange and black, as they needed a power forward with size and grit. They needed a goal scorer/sniper, and this was one way to do it. Kaplan has committed to Boston University this Fall, but Kaplan played for the USDNTP Junior team this past season and he tallied eight goals and registered 10 assists in 22 games played. He stands at 6’3, while weighing 205 pounds. Kaplan is a Right-Winger that plays with an edge to his game.
“I think I’m a power forward, who makes space for his teammates, but can also make plays for himself too,” Kaplan said following getting drafted by the Flyers. “I think I can bring a little bit of everything to the table. I wanted to stay on the East Coast. Growing up my brother was a Flyers fan. I was a Rangers fan. We kind of always butted heads. That’s over now. I’m all Philly.”
Kaplan continued about his brother being a Flyers fan, “He just loved the idea of the Broad Street Bullies. Outworking people, outmuscling them, beating them up. He loved that and winning games. He really loved that brand.”
When I was selected by the Flyers I looked at my brother Jaylen, “I turned to him and said, “Philly, baby” and then we started laughing.”
This young 18-year-old Winger in Kaplan is a decent skater, but like most prospects he can improve upon this area. He can transition with the best of them to distribute the puck, but hopefully he develops a burst off his first few steps. Kaplan plays a solid two-way game, and is one of the best prospects that this draft offered in terms of transition. He generates a lot of his offense off transition, as he is able to navigate in smaller areas around the edges and gets to the dirty areas to score. Kaplan also has a lethal wrist shot, as well. His heavy shot is one of the best that this stock of players has. Kaplan is a very good penalty killer, and that should not be overstated. He really plays well defensively and it leads to a successful offense.
“I’ve heard a lot about Tony DeAngelo because I know some buddies from back home that know him and they say he’s a really good character,” Kaplan said. “I’m excited to meet him. Other than that, he’s probably the biggest one.”
Devin Kaplan continued with his identity as a player, “A power forward…Somebody who establishes themselves on the ice every shift. You know he’s out there and he can also compliment other skilled players too. He can play any role, anywhere you want him to and help the team win. I think my passing and my hockey IQ are a little underrated. Also, my transition game I feel like is another thing I do really well.”
He plays in all situations the coaching staff asks of him, and Kaplan plays with an aggressive edge. Kaplan’s passing is just crisp tape to tape, and he has a knack for the net. This pick in Kaplan is a high valued one, and one that will pay huge dividends in the future, “I loved him as a coach,” Kaplan said of John Tortorella. “He can always get the most out of his players. I think that’s something that’s really special. That’s what the best coaches can do.”
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Hopefully, the Flyers will benefit from a gifted player in Kaplan. This selection was a great start to the draft for the Flyers, who are apparently in an “Aggressive Retool” mode according to Fletcher, “Probably my athleticism and my hockey IQ,” Kaplan said. “Those are my two biggest strengths, I think.”
