In this edition of Flyers Prospect Report, we will take a look at former Ohio State Center/Forward Tanner Laczynski. Tanner is another one of former General Manager Ron Hextall’s smart later round picks. The 6’1 205 pound Laczynski, according to Elite Prospects, was selected in the sixth round 169th overall of the 2016 draft. He showed improvements each of his year’s while playing for Ohio State to earn himself the Assistant Captaincy in his final year. Showing that the Flyers do not only value getting skill, but also players who displayed great leadership skills at a young age. Fourth rounders, Matthew Strome was the Captain of the Hamilton Bulldogs in his final year, while Connor Bunnaman was the Captain of the Kitchener Rangers in his, as well. These are only a few examples of players in the Flyers system, who have been Assistants or Captain’s at some points in their young careers already. To me, this is a great bonus to have on your resume, as it shows you do not only display the potential skill to play in the NHL, but also show the maturity to succeed at the pro level already as well.
Laczynski is a potential jack of all trades bottom six player with potential to grow, who definitely has a chance to compete for a roster spot in next years training camp. The Flyers could potentially lose Tyler Pitlick, Derek Grant, and Nate Thompson, in the offseason clearly opening up an opportunity for Laczynski to compete for a chance to start in the opening day lineup. Of course, Linus Sandin, Bunnaman, Carsen Twarynski, and others will have something to say about that. The Flyers have a good problem on their hands, with plenty of competition going into next year for roles in the bottom six, and as many of us know competition tends to lead to produce the best out of people.
Now let’s get into the Nitty Gritty details of Laczynski’s game. The former sixth round draft pick, is a very intelligent skilled forward who has the ability to play both on the Penalty Kill and the Power Play. This is already sounding like coach Alain Vigneault’s kind of player. Of course, we also know for the Flyers system it is key or at least beneficial to be good along the boards. Well, for Laczynski that is no problem, as he was one of the best players in the Big Ten along the boards play if not all of college. He is very good at being able to use his skill, and growing frame to be able to fend off defenders while operating along the boards himself. In addition, while on defense he uses his good stick checking ability, as well as, under discussed good pesky/physical side of his game to snatch the puck from attacking players. Another trait the Flyers love in players is their versatility and Laczynski is no different. He has played both the Wing and Center in his young playing career already.
The young 23-year-old in Laczynski was over a points per game player in the Big Ten while he was at OSU. He had 143 points on 48 goals and 95 assists in 138 games. Last year in his Senior season, Laczynski lead OSU with 34 points while having a plus 9 rating for the 10th ranked team in the nation. All of his years at Ohio State Laczynski was a key catalyst for the team scoring a stellar 32 points in 34 games in his freshmen season to then just go on to further impress from there. Laczynski as said before, has proven effective on special teams and that is proven in the numbers as he lead the Big Ten with 17 power play points. It is also important to point out Laczynski also played in all seven games for the 2017 Word Junior Champion Team USA. In that tournament he showed off his impressive two-way game while tallying one goal and one assist. Speaking of his two-way game, Flyers Assistant GM Brent Flahr described his game perfectly back in March when he signed. Flahr said “He plays a mature two-way game. He’s a proven leader and we see him as a versatile forward.” That perfectly sums up the game of Tanner Laczynski which is why I am excited he is part of the Flyers organization.
All in all, Laczynski is the perfect bottom six player for the Flyers. He plays in his own end so well already knowing the importance of letting good defense lead too offense. Something we of course know is a trait AV loves in his players. He also as shown from his stats above is effective on the PP because he is able to get to the dirty areas for a deflection or use his effective shot to pot one himself. Also, Laczynski uses his playmaking ability to be able to find his teammates very well in five on five play or on the power play. Like I said above he has the potential to be a jack of all trades player and someone who can contribute in all facets of the game for you while playing a bottom six role. Laczynski because of his passing and shooting ability, as well as, his good skating. If injuries happen could spend some time in the top two pairings as well in his NHL career, and that would be “A” ok because he is plenty skilled enough. In addition, Laczynski has good maturity to his game to play on the top two lines, as well. All these traits lead me to get reminded of a Scott Laughton type player, who is able to do it all for the Flyers. When injuries creep up Laughton moves up lines and when the team is in tact he plays a very successful bottom six role. Just like Laughton does that from the left side, Laczynski has the potential to play a similar game from the right with some added speed as well. Imagine having two jack of all trades players in the bottom six one from the left and one from the right side. Well, the Flyers have that potential with Laczynski coming up and possibly pairing with Laughton on a line as well. Laczynski can be seen showing off his passing and scoring in the Flyers prospect mixtape below. Fast forward to 14:51 if you want to see just Laczynski’s highlights. To wrap up, Laczynski is easily a player who I could see impressing his way into the opening day lineup next year. Moreover, he is a player who plays a prototypical Flyers style type of hockey lining him up to become a next potential fan favorite. Whatever the case may be, even if Laczynski starts out his Pro career playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms he could very well be in mid-season call-up.
