Flyers 2020 Draft Profile: Landon Kosior Has Sky Rocketed Up The Draft Board For A Reason “Some characteristics I bring to the table are smooth skating, good passing”

Have you seen a player pick a part of the net, and hit that spot 9 times out of 10? Well, that’s what a highly skilled offensive defenseman Landon Kosior can do. He doesn’t scream first round pick, but the NHL Central Scouting has him ranked 98th among eligible draftees. Kosior hails from Regina, SK, CAN, and was born on August 15, 2002. From the motherland of hockey, Kosior is definitely a player to watch come draft time when Chuck Fletcher is on the clock. This Canadian native 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 2-3 years old. His passion for the game found himself playing for the Prince Albert Raiders for the 2019-20 season, where he endured a rigorous, but good freshman year of hockey (5g,18a in 64 games played. These stats aren’t eye popping, but it was good for 10th in scoring for WHL defenseman). Kosior is a natural, not just a playmaker, and a Right-Handed offensive defenseman the Flyers could use in the future. He is an excellent two-way player that sees the ice extremely well. Kosior makes crisp passes through tight spaces, and has a great hockey IQ. By the time players try to defend him, more often than not, he’s blown by them leading the play up ice, “It’s an unbelievable feeling to be considered a prospect for the upcoming draft,” Kosior said to me in an interview, “I had great coaches and teammates this year in Prince Albert and they have helped me lots to get to where I am. My family is very excited because they have been by my side ever since I started playing hockey and they are proud of me and always cheering me on. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NHL. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m always working hard to make sure I give myself the best chance of reaching my dream.”

Kosior’s hockey IQ is off the charts, and he has keen hockey sense. He stands at 5’11” and weighs 190 pounds, but his commitment to the game is also what makes him stand out. Landon knows he has to get bigger and stronger, plus he’s only 17, so he might grow a few inches more, as well, “In order to be prepared for next year I will keep working out during this pandemic to keep myself in shape and keep improving,” Kosior said during the pandemic, “On top of that I will be shooting pucks in my garage and working on my stick handling. Then hopefully some rinks around me will open up and I will be able to train on the ice and prepare for next season.”

The young prospect continued, “I would say that I am a solid, smooth skating two-way puck moving defenceman with high hockey IQ who can make a great first pass and can also run a power play. I also consider myself a hard worker. Some characteristics I bring to the table are smooth skating, good passing, high hockey IQ and hard working both on the ice and off the ice.”

Keep in mind Kosior is just 17-years-old, and he used to play Midget AAA hockey for the Tisdale Trojans with Flyers 2019 6th Round Draft pick Roddy Ross in 2017-18. Kosior has great creativity with his skating, a player that has good edgework and agility. He is so tough to move off the puck, as well, but he makes quick cuts, and changes direction well. Kosior reminds me of P.K. Subban as he is enthused with confidence. Subban lowers his body to protect the puck, and eventually blows by them in the end for the easy goal. Kosior just knows where to be and when, then pick his shot at the net, “A player that I looked up to as a young kid was P.K. Subban,” Kosior said, “I loved watching his passion for the game on the ice and also just the things he does off the ice like donating money to children’s hospitals.”

He’s really very talented with with transitioning from defense to offense, one can tell he’s been coached well, “There have been lots of people along the way that have helped define me as a player,” Kosior stated, “Every single coach I have had has had some sort of impact on me. All of my former teammates and current teammates have helped define me as well by teaching me tips and helping me improve. But most importantly my family has helped shape me into the player and person I am today. My Parents are always cheering me on and supporting me through everything and I can’t thank them enough.”

Kosior has really opened some eyes, and showcased his skills as he’s on the cusp of fulfilling his dream of getting drafted into the NHL. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey really sets himself apart from other prospects. Hockey runs through his family, just ask his dad Wayne Kosior who happens to be a Scout for a well known program in the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL). This proud dad is on the verge of seeing his gifted son fulfill his dream of getting drafted into the NHL. Landon, however, just loves chicken, “My favorite food has got to be any type of chicken and pasta. It’s a great pregame meal but I also love eating it on off days as well,” Kosior continues, “Just that if I am lucky enough to get drafted to a team I would not take it for granted and work as hard as I can so that one day I can hopefully make the team.”