The Flyers made a trade to get into the Third Round of the 2020 NHL Draft after trading away their third round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks last year. The Flyers selected a physical goal-scorer in Zayde Wisdom, who compiled 29 goals, and 30 assists for 59 points last season for the Kingston Frontenacs. It appears Wisdom has been a Philadelphian for a while one would think:
“I always knew Philly was in consideration. I play their type of hockey. Big body. The Broad Street Bullies as they’re known. Big body, kind of gritty hockey. They’re always there for me in my mind. I was like maybe these guys. It was never strong or anything like that. I had no clue who I was going to in the draft. No clue who I was going to coming into this. Super excited to hear my name by the Broad Street Bullies for sure.- Zayde Wisdom
Zayde Wisdom on Philadelphia
The Flyers drafted this powerful sturdy Winger with the hopes he could use his goal-scoring abilities, combined with a physical element to deliver a one-two punch to opponents in the future. Wisdom has quite a journey to get where he is today with his hockey career and Scott Wheeler of the Athletic did an amazing write up on the challenges he endured when he was younger.
In Wheeler’s piece it states he was raised by his mother and grandmother after the departure of his father, he wasn’t able to afford the type of equipment his teammates had so he was forced to fit in somehow, and food was scarce. They simply did not have enough money for food, I mean if this doesn’t make you root for the young 18-year-old I don’t know what will.
Wayne Simmonds is Wisdom’s biggest advocate as Wisdom says:
“Having a guy like that who’s played in the league for that long and who’s still playing in the league is amazing. He’s obviously a veteran guy, a grizzled guy. He’s been through some stuff. He’s been through most of the stuff that the league has to offer. Having a guy like that in your corner where he’s giving you advice and letting you know what your best decision would be and advising you helps a ton.”- Zayde Wisdom
Zayde Wisdom on Wayne Simmonds
This young man in Wisdom has persevered, and has become quite the hockey player. He is an energy player, a bit undersized as he stands at 5’11, and weighs 195 pounds. However, he makes up for his size with being a good skater. Wisdom can improve with his acceleration, and that will come in time.
Wisdom is a good forechecker, gets to the dirty areas to pot a goal, grinds for pucks in the corners thus forcing his opponents into mistakes. He can lead the rush, has a nice quick release that is accurate. Most of all folks he can score goals, and he’s not afraid to take a beating to do just that.
Defensively, Wisdom plays a smart two-way game. He’s an excellent Penalty Killer, and Wisdom is very good at poke checking. Wisdom gets into the passing lanes, and clears the porch like Wayne Simmonds used to do in Philly.
When Wisdom gets recalled to the NHL with the Flyers. He will instantly become a fan favorite. Wisdom’s a smart player who wants it. He may have been doubted, but he vows to prove those doubters wrong.
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