Why the Flyers drafted Jett Luchanko over Zeev Buium, Konsta Helenius | PHLY Sports

On Charlie’s first show back since covering the NHL draft for PHLY Flyers, he explains why the Philadelphia Flyers drafted C/W Jett Luchanko over higher-ranked prospects like Zeev Buium and Konsta Helenius.
Bill, Charlie, and Kelly also discuss Danny’s second draft overall since taking over as GM for the Flyers.
#nhl #hockey #flyers #letsgoflyers #flyershockey #nhldraft
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[@user-FLChizel]

If Zeev was this awesome can’t miss defenseman he would not have been available at the 12 pick. His stock for some reason was falling. My guess would be a combination of size, his agent, coming from college with his opinion of not signing with his drafting team could have stacked the deck against him. If a comparable tiered player at premium position is in that same range it is a calculated move. We will find out in 3-5 years how it works out. You are correct that the Flyers are NOT against picking smaller players, you pointed them out, but if talent levels are close I’ll lean towards the bigger stronger player as an asset. It’s a blend of talent that works best. Just like you can’t have a forward line of all shooters or all passers etc.

[@johnwhite1390]

All 3 were worthy of being picked in round 1. Helenias was probably the closest in AHL readiness at #12, the other 2 should have gone much later. Biuim, although very talented, is undersized & the last defensive need on a Flyers roster already over-full of small guys. Luchenko gives them speed, a skill unheard of on Flyers' teams for years. But he's a project because he needs to improve in so many other areas.

[@whites32]

I wouldnt compare Jett to Buium even in a few years, I think there were other things going on (Agent, college FA) that led to 6 other dmen getting selected before him, we can make the Helenius comparisons since that is the player they directly picked against

[@seancosgrove1]

Isnt Luchanko also undersized? He's listed as an inch shorter than Buium and Zeev has proven he can dominate in big games.

[@chrisolivo6591]

Nobody knows how these picks will shake out so only time will tell. My beef with the Flyers is you say you are rebuilding then you have to put yourself in a position to draft in the top 5-6. Tortorella is the wrong Head Coach for a rebuild. They refuse to trade Laughton for some reason and other players on the roster that made them too good to be a team that has a chance to draft top 5-6. Last year was just a waste of a season when you end up drafting #12.

[@bdawk511]

Why exactly is Tortorella the wrong head coach? They're rebuilding without tanking. They have 3 first round picks next year and 3 seconds and 2 firsts the year after that. I get fans really love losing and bottoming out like the Sixers but there's more than 1 way to rebuild. Additionally I don't believe they planned on being a fringe playoff team last season, they just have enough compete and pride in them to play hard every game and to not count themselves out of games before they start. I imagine they'll be a top 10 pick this season because I believe Ottawa, NJ and Buffalo will all leap frog them and I'd imagine Laughton gets dealt at the deadline. Patience

[@Rubbabandman]

Well they want to make the playoffs bc the owners want to sell hope. The front office wants to rebuild into a strong team behind Michkov but the owners are here to make money not to win Stanley cups. They only want to win the cup because it increases profits

[@seanbroccoli2698]

Rebuilding and tanking are not the same thing. Rebuilding is stictly the action of rebuilding your team through the draft. It is not dependant on where you pick. You just generally have a better shot at an elite player the earlier you draft but there are many elite players scattered through the draft. Flyers cant exactly tank. Not without completely starting over. They got a lot of young pieces that are going to keep them competitive like Farabee, Foerster, Tippett, Brink, Frost, Michkov and York. Attard and Ginning looked pretty good in the small sample size they had. Zamula had a pretty good rookie season too. I would expect Bonk to make the jump with the next 2-3 years. The Flyers tried to move Sanheim last offseason but Krug blocked the deal, he has a NTC now so he is staying. The same with Couturier. He has a NMC and unless he bounces back, there wouldnt be any interest even if he was willing to waive. Only guys you can move are Konecny and Laughton.

[@jerrypedrick6206]

Would have liked to see them sign a free agent. Gotta at least give us something , if not for anything else to help out Michkov. Other than that I’m on board with the rebuild.

[@seanbroccoli2698]

​@@jerrypedrick6206With what cap space? They had to buyout Atkinson just to sign what they got. Ellis and RyJo arent heading to the LTIR until the season starts. Flyers are still rebuilding. Briere said hes ok missing playoffs this season. Flyers will likely weaponize their cap space again

[@trevorlapp798]

If Jett’s hockey IQ is as great as I hear it is, he will be a great fit to help Mitchkov succeed long term.

[@cmz5847]

Michkov’s long term 1C will be from free agency, we have nothing in house rn😂

[@christopherodonnell71]

@@cmz5847Jett could certainly develop into a top line C he’s got all the tools, just needs to develop

[@Duzzy9513]

@@cmz5847you don't know hockey, just stop

[@cmz5847]

@@Duzzy9513 the irony

[@scottarmen9097]

To me size on defense isn't the only important thing. Cam York seems to play bigger than his size. So it's not just about height but how tough and strong you play. Provorov was 6'1" but played soft in his final years on the Flyers.

[@Duzzy9513]

Can York does not play bigger than his size... you don't watch much hockey with that thought 🤣😂

[@scottarmen9097]

@@Duzzy9513 I sure do and I play hockey but I'm guessing you don't huh?

[@cable54-guy15]

I’ve heard Jett’s game compared to Nick Suzuki from multiple hockey analysts. If he turns out to be a player like Nick that’s a win for me. Suzuki when we played Montreal in the playoffs in 2020 gave the Flyers problems with his speed and awareness.