Photo Credit: @Dylan3James
“We’re obviously about the draft,” said Dylan James. “I’ve been committed to UND (University of North Dakota) for a while now. I developed so much this year, the Sioux got me ready.”
Wouldn’t it be nice for the Flyers to have a player with size that can pot goals in the dirty areas, and not be afraid to take the hit to make the play? Well, this is Dylan James, and he is ready to make an imprint in the NHL when that time arises, and for Flyers fans that may not know him he pots the majority of his goals off deflections or in the slot, “I try to model my game after Zach Hyman of the Oilers,” James said. “I’m a hardworking good skater. I take pride in the Dzone and let my offense come from that, but I score the most of my goals around the net. Rebounds, tips, and things that’s just ,y style. You score a lot of goals close to the net.”
James stands at 6’0 and weighs 181 pounds, and has all the skills to be a Flyer, “I’m just going to play game, and it will take care of the rest,” James said. “My favorite food is fajitas (James said laughing). I love Chipotle.”
“My parents always told me hard-work will take you far.” – Dylan James
The young 18-year-old in James has committed to the University of North Dakota in the Fall. It’s a great hockey school, and he couldn’t be more thrilled. The Sioux Musketeer product, James just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and solid speed. James has risen up the draft board for being mentally tough, his body appears to be a bit more mature than most young prospects his age, and he is a speedy winger too. Barclay Goodrow is a perfect comparable of James, and his ceiling is a top six player in the future.
James could be selected anywhere from the second round to the third round, it really depends on what mock draft one follows. However, I believe it would be of Chuck Fletcher’s best interest to trade into the second round and snag him. He potted 28 goals, and registered 33 assists in his draft season (61 Points) in 62 games played. The Flyers could use his net front presence on the Power Play in the near future. Everyone knows that the Flyers haven’t been very good with the man advantage for the past few season’s. Something has to change, and it may come from James.
Hopefully, James continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, as James appears to have a good head on his shoulders. The Flyers could use a natural goal scorer, so this would be the best time for the orange and black to select a speedster that has a natural scoring ability, “I have the mentality, I don’t want to look back and say I could have worked harder,” James said as the interview concluded.
