Photo Credit: thehockeywriters.com
Taking a look at another guy that Flyers General Manager Chuck Fletcher, and his inner circle may be taking a closer look at now that they have the free time is Jack Quinn, a Winger for the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). This fast raising prospect stands at 5’11″ and weighs 176 pounds. He was projected to go somewhere early in the second round, perhaps at best the late first round, at least to start the season. Now his stock and name is shooting up the draft boards. What makes Jack so special is that he has been able to accomplish such a feat, and be deserving of the Flyers first round selection at this Summer’s draft.
Jack Quinn has played his way to atop of the OHL’s list for goals and nearly tripling his point production from last season, by potting 52 goals, and chipping in 37 assists for 89 points in 62 games played. That is more than fellow mock draft ranked first rounder Jacob Perreault of the Sarnia Sting with (39) goals, and it is more than fellow 67’s teammate and top ten mock draft ranked Marco Rossi with (39) goals. Moreover, it is also more than top ten mock draft ranked Cole Perfetti of the Saginaw Spirit with (37) goals, and more than Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves with (32) goals who in most mock drafts have him being selected second overall.
Now you may be questioning whether he would be that good if he didn’t play on a team with Marco Rossi and the standout offensive defenseman Noel Hoefenmayer. That is yet to be proven, but what I can say is that Jack rarely plays along side of those guys, while only seeing ice time with them while the team is on the power play. Otherwise he finds himself playing on the second line creating his own scoring chances, whether it be by means of his excellent puck handling and playmaking ability, or using his ELITE shot and remarkably fast release. This young budding prospect makes anyone taking a shift with him instantly better.
Quinn is the sniper the Flyers so desperately need. I do believe if the Flyers and Chuck Fletcher think there is a chance that Quinn won’t be there by the time they draft, Fletcher would be so inclined to use their 1st round pick along with some of their other assets (such as their stock pile of talented prospects in the system) in order to jump up in the draft and select him. Besides the last time we selected a speedy young winger about his size from the Ottawa 67’s, it was none other then the current Flyers leading goal scorer Travis Konecny. Perhaps the Flyers will do just this and strike gold once again. Only time will tell if Quinn will join the ranks alongside his fellow 67’s alumni, and give up that red and black team sweater in exchange for an orange and black one. It should be interesting to say the least.
