VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: Chuck Fletcher of the Philadelphia Flyers attends the 2019 NHL Draft at the Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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The NHL draft for the Flyers was unlike some that we have seen in recent years. Drafting a Finn in the second round, not having a first round pick, these were some things that were a little different in 2021. Nonetheless, the Flyers selected six players, and today we will focus on Ty Murchison, Ethan Samson and Owen McLaughlin who were selected in rounds 5 through 7.
Ty Murchison
Murchison is a Left-Handed Defenseman who played for the US National U18 Team USDP Program. He stands at 6’2 and weighs 192 pounds, and has committed to Arizona State University in the Fall. Murchison plays with an edge to his game, and really was a blessing he was still on the draft board in the 5th round.
This young native of the United States was born on February 2, 2003 in Corona, CA. Murchison could become the second player from California to play for this proud franchise in recent years, as Cam York is a native the Golden State. He closes gaps well, and can skate.
The young 18-year-old prospect worked his tail off in the off-season to improve his game. There is some rawness to him, overall he doesn’t his opposition much room to operate.
“Ty Murchison played on the U.S. Development program. He’s a California kid. Good size, very good mobility, and plays an aggressive style. He’s going to have to probably learn to tone things down a little bit as far as picking his spots when to be aggressive. A kid that comes to play, plays hard and brings an aggressive nature which is great. He’s going to Arizona State and obviously he was really excited to be drafted today.” – Brent Flahr Flyers AGM
Murchison can be offensive at times, but the Flyers selected him because of his aggressiveness. He tallied seven goals, and eight assists in 48 games played for the USDP program.
Ethan Samson
Samson was a sixth round selection and he is a right-handed defenseman. He was drafted 174th overall, and he is a solid puck moving Defenseman.
“Ethan Samson is the big right-shot defenseman, 6’2” and a mobile guy. He’s going to have to fill out to get stronger as well. Mark Greig was high on the guy, we targeted late and got him. Obviously former Flyer coached him, Jason Smith, and we had the inside scoop on him. He moves the puck, also defends, and has some jam.” – Brent Flahr Flyers AGM
Like most prospects Samson has to work on his skating. He likes to take risks, and Samson is learning to play an effective two-way game.
This young 17-year-old is becoming a solid two-way defenseman, has good puck skills, and uses his size well to protect the puck. He closes gaps well which is a bonus, but he needs to work on playing the body more as well. He will continue to play for the Prince George Cougars in the WHL.
“Couple things that come to mind right away is that he’s got good size. He’s close to 6’2” and his frame’s going to still fill out as he’s an August birthday. He’s got some room to develop. Right-hand shot and for a D-man it’s always an asset as we find them harder to find. I think he’s got a lot of development left. He’s going to play on a good team in PG and for a good coach. He’s got upside.” – Flyers Scout Mark Greig
Owen McLaughlin
McLaughlin is a local product as he is from Phoenixville, PA. He started the year playing for Mount St. Charles, where he posted 16 goals, and 38 assists in 34 games played. McLaughlin did manage to play the US National team in the USDP where failed to register a point.
This young 18-year-old in McLaughlin is committed to Sioux City in the USHL, and he will play for Penn State University in 2022-23.
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McLaughlin knows that he is ways away from making an imprint with the orange and black, but the Flyers have gone down the high school route before with drafting Noah Cates in 2017. He likes to shoot, and dies it well. Now it’s time to become a solid two-way player, and hopefully he is able to do that with the Sioux.
“He’s a talented kid at the high school level. Obviously he’s going to have a little bit longer path. But a highly skilled kid at that level, going to have to put on some weight and get stronger. He’s going to a good place obviously close by here, and we’re excited to see where he can get to.” – Flyers Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr
