New Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere was smirking and laughing throughout the late morning pre-draft presser with Brent Flahr present to answer questions about the upcoming NHL Draft. He referenced Eric Lindros early in the press conference, and that really set the tone for the rest of the morning presser, “We want that 6’6 Centerman that hits everything on the ice and scores (Laughing),” said Briere. What a reference for Eric Lindros, he was so darn good, it a darn shame injuries sort of derailed just how even much better he could have been over the course of his NHL career.
Without further delay, here are our notes to Danny Briere and Brent Flahr’s pre-draft presser.
- Danny Briere: “We want that 6’6 Centerman that hits everything on the ice and scores (Laughing).” Man what a reference to Big E.
- Danny Briere on the draft: “I still want to take the best available player.” Regardless, if it’s Matvei Michkov.
- Danny Briere says he believes he will have a chance to meet with Matvei Michkov
- Danny Briere said he’s excited for the draft
- Danny Briere says he is taking nothing off the table
- Brent Flahr says that this is a strong year for Russia. Flahr says he does not think this is a deep draft for Defenseman (Hence why I think they move up to grab Tom Wallinder)
- Danny Briere says it would not be easy to replace Hayes, and his stance has not changed. He did say this is not a deep market for Centers in free agency
- Brent Flahr says that more than likely they would not take a risk with a prospect that has character issues, and he says that could plague the player down the road. But, he does believe he could take a risk on a player that have skating or getting stronger issues.
- Brent Flahr: “We have some holes to fill.”
- Danny Briere is smiling while being asked a question on what’s happening behind the scenes with scouts, and all.
- Danny Briere: “If someone wants to gives us a pick, we would take it. We are having lots of discussions.”
- Danny Briere: “This week was probably the more time where I’m getting a lot of return phone calls.”
- Danny Briere did mention that he is interested in gaining a second round pick if possible. I think if Dalibor Dvorsky is their primary target, I think the Flyers could trade back possibly to recoup a second round pick, like Chuck Fletcher did with the Cam York deal.
Shout Out
Danny Briere gives a nice shoutout to Zachary Wertz as the press conference ends: “You have tickets (To the Draft), good to see you out there.” Class act Danny, as Wertz (9-years-old) was the recipient of a liver transplant.
Briere continued, “Nice seeing ya.” I mean this young man was ecstatic. Pretty neat correspondence between the two.
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