Photo Credit: Hickling Images
The NHL Draft is right around the corner, and there will be many questions facing this young orange and black team when the draft picks off. Some questions range from are they going to move up or back? Are the Flyers drafting for positional needs in the system, such as Right-Handed Defenseman? Will they move pick 13 for a Defenseman? These are some very valid questions that people have.
General Manager Chuck Fletcher will have his third draft with the orange and black. There’s a flashy, lightning rod Center that might catch the eye of Fletcher in the first round, and that is no other than a play making machine in Mason McTavish. McTavish stands at 6’2 and weighs 207 pounds, and has all the skills to be a Flyer, “Its been a tough year for a lot of people,” McTavish said. “I was fortunate to play in Switzerland. I’m thankful for that as it’s been tough for a lot of people not just hockey.”
The Ryan Getzlaf effect eventually came out during this interview, with McTavish really giving some good praise about one of the Flyers top prospects, “I really admire the way Ryan Getzlaf plays” McTavish says, “I try to prepare myself that way. I grew up around there (Switzerland). I learned a lot from the older guys and coaching staff.” McTavish was born on January 30 2003, in Zürich, SUI. This Switzerland native found a passion, and a love for the sport of hockey at a very young age. His passion for the game found himself playing for EHC Often in Switzerland due to Covid. He was loaned from the Peterborough Petes due to the OHL shutting down their season for Covid-19 reasons. While playing for EHC Olten, he torched the league by tallying nine goals and two assists in 13 games played. Moreover, McTavish continued his tear at the WJC-U18 tournament while playing for Team Canada by potting five goals, and chipping in six assists in seven games played. He Captained Canada to a Gold MedAl, and his stock began to rise. So much so that he could be a top 5 selection. McTavish is shooting up the draft board, so the Flyers would likely have to move up to draft him.
“It was probably around November when I decided to play in Switzerland. I turned 18, I got my work visa and flew out. It kind of goes in a crazy year, but fortunate to play.” – Mason McTavish
His skating may be lacking in speed a bit from a smoothness perspective but for his style of play, the power he’s able to generate quickly it’s really impressive. He’s a goal scorers dream as he navigates in tight spaces, and protects the puck well in tight areas. McTavish is a forward need, and he’s versatile. They need a sniper, and McTavish is that. His compete level, skill, and size are three reasons he is a top 10 selection.
Some Reasons To Draft McTavish
This 18-year old, young prospect knew the importance of just having fun, and letting the game come to him this past season. Moreover, McTavish worked very hard in the off-season, and was able to improve his game tremendously for the 2020-21 season. McTavish is a speedster that has a lengthy first step, has a wicked heavy shot, and is very tough to move off the puck. He isn’t afraid to forecheck, but will need to improve his strides. Moreover, McTavish doesn’t sit around puck watching, and he can pick a part of the net with that killer wrist shot he possesses.
This young prospect in McTavish really opened some eyes, and showcased his skills well at the WJC tournament in particular. He picked apart some of the best goaltenders and defenders alike in his age group. It shows just how good McTavish really can be. His effort, and dedication for the sport of hockey have led him to the cusp of being drafted into the NHL, “I’ve talked to about 3/4 of the teams now,” McTavish said. “It keeps you on your toes. I hope to be a top 6 center, two-way side is what I hope to be.”
The Petes product, McTavish just wants to show people he belongs in the NHL. If one has seen him play these past few seasons, then they would have noticed his silky hands, and good speed. He has a lethal wrist shot, to go with his good vision of the ice. Moreover, McTavish is out to prove that he can do this when given the chance, and he might only need one year in more in Juniors before earning a full-time spot in the NHL. He is a comparable to Nazem Kadri or Ryan Getzlaf.
Hopefully, McTavish continues to mold himself into a fine hockey hockey player. His unselfish attitude cannot be taught, and McTavish can pay huge dividends for the Flyers in the future. Especially with his good shot and speed at the Center/Wing position, as he cuts in between defenders. In the end his size and skill really sets him apart from some of the other blue chip prospects.
