Photo Credit: Lehigh Valley Phantoms
Hayden Hodgson signed an NHL contract with the Flyers last season, made his NHL on emergency conditions, scored his first NHL goal and of course netted his first NHL point all in one season.
Hodgson inked a new a two-year, two-way/one-way contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $800,000 yesterday, as he was the final restricted free agent to sign. It’s a story unlike many others, as he went on drafted into the NHL. Hodgson started out playing an AHL for the Cleveland monsters in 2017-18, extended to the ECHL for the Florida Everblades that same season. He eventually found his way to the reading Royals in 2019-20, to which Hodgson signed an AHL contract with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms for the 2020-21 season.
it was a season unlike unlike any other for Hodgson, as mentioned above he made his NHL debut with the Flyers last season and he netted one goal and two assists for his efforts in six games played. It all started with hard-work and will, as he followed down the same path as Flyers Max Willman. From the ECHL to the NHL, Hodgson was patient and he just kept working.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s great. I’m so grateful.” – Hayden Hodgson said after netting his first NHL goal in his NHL Debut
The one thing Hodgson provides is size, as he stands at 6’2 and weighs 207 pounds. He also has some bite to his game, as he’ll hit, fight, score, thread some nice passes. Hodgson will do anything in his power for his team to win a hockey game.
For his efforts, Hodgson was second on the team in goals (19) with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2020-21. Moreover, Hodgson also finished fourth on the Phantoms in points with 31. His game is reminiscent of Travis Konecny, as both are naturally talented goal scoring wise, but both are quite effective with getting in their opponent’s heads.
What Hodgson does so well is use his size to create scoring chances, while working the cycle. He’s also not a bad skater, as Hodgson is an explosive player off the rush.
Hodgson has developed into an effective complimentary offensive player at the age of 26. He gets to the greasy areas to score, as he finishes off chances in close. His defensive game continues to need some work, but his skating abilities make up for some of his defensive deficiencies.
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What this contract means for the Flyers and Hodgson is more depth in the system, and experience. He could provide tutelage and teach the youth of how to play the game the right way at the professional level in Lehigh. Hodgson could also teach the youth on how to become a pro, that is if he does not win a job with the big club out of Training Camp this Fall.
