Draft picks are educated guesses. It is much easier to judge potential in Centers, then Winger, then Defenseman, then Goalies - in that order. It takes Defenseman and Goalies longer to develop. The smart thing to do is go after the sure thing... the talented Centers. Comcast/Flyers are not shy to spend money. Belly up and buy the top notch UFA goalie and defenseman when the time comes. If need be, polish-off the developing talented centers and trade them for defense or goalies.

The theory of grab the best guy is valid (if your scouting is good), you should be able to trade that guy for what you need in the future.

This may not hold true for all the other teams. Some teams are in less desirable track records, or locations (like ATL was... beautiful town, just not a hockey mecca). Or, don't have the cash to spend on the UFA.
- leon neon

It may take longer to develop goalies and defenseman, but in recent times the good defenseman and goalies don't make it to UFA, and there isn't an unlimited amount the Flyers can spend on them. They do have to change thier thinking. The current NHL calls for drafting your top players, as opposed to wheeling and dealing or free for all spending of years past. And that means having balanced drafts where you might let the "better" player drop to pick a guy almost as good that fits a need.

It may take longer to develop goalies and defenseman, but in recent times the good defenseman and goalies don't make it to UFA, and there isn't an unlimited amount the Flyers can spend on them. They do have to change thier thinking. The current NHL calls for drafting your top players, as opposed to wheeling and dealing or free for all spending of years past. And that means having balanced drafts where you might let the "better" player drop to pick a guy almost as good that fits a need.
- youarewrong

Huge mistake under any circumstances to bypass a player you have ranked higher, to draft by a position of need. A strategy of having a balanced draft is also a bad idea. Draft the best player available, regardless of position. Simple as that.

Huge mistake under any circumstances to bypass a player you have ranked higher, to draft by a position of need. A strategy of having a balanced draft is also a bad idea. Draft the best player available, regardless of position. Simple as that.
- MJL

- Moose_15

Here's a perfect example. Let's look at the 2006 NHL Draft in which the Flyers had the 22nd pick. We know who they drafted. Well let's use the suggested strategy of drafting by need and having a balanced draft. Now obviously, we wouldn't know which defenseman the Flyers would have rated the highest that was still available. But there were 4 defenseman drafted with the remaining picks, after the 22nd pick in the first round.

Their names are as follows.
Dennis Person
Ivan Vishnevskiy
Chris Summers
Matt Corrente.

I'm sure glad the Flyers didn't have a need at defense, and decided to draft by position in that draft.

Hmmm if drafting is such a crapshoot, why would any team hire or even pay people to physically go out and watch young players?

LOGIC DOES NOT COMPUTE

Beep...
Beep..
Beep...

Some really...REEEEALLY lucky teams out that to have such drafting success!

Problem isn't if they draft the best available player OR by position...


It is how they come to the conclusion who is the best available and poor decisions on types of players they keep drafting.

Hmmm if drafting is such a crapshoot, why would any team hire or even pay people to physically go out and watch young players?

LOGIC DOES NOT COMPUTE

Beep...
Beep..
Beep...

Some really...REEEEALLY lucky teams out that to have such drafting success!
- Glak18

It's actually very logical. While it is not an exact science. Obviously a team wants to be informed and make an educated decision on who they're picking.

Problem isn't if they draft the best available player OR by position...


It is how they come to the conclusion who is the best available and poor decisions on types of players they keep drafting.
- Glak18

Overall the Flyers have a very strong drafting history. But they do need to do a better job identifying which defenseman to draft in later rounds.

Huge mistake under any circumstances to bypass a player you have ranked higher, to draft by a position of need. A strategy of having a balanced draft is also a bad idea. Draft the best player available, regardless of position. Simple as that.
- MJL

I strongly agree for the top rounds. But, once you get to the lower rounds, where you've ranked the players yet difference between players is non-existent. I don't mind if the Flyers go for a long shot, or pick up a goalie to fill a need.

It may take longer to develop goalies and defenseman, but in recent times the good defenseman and goalies don't make it to UFA, and there isn't an unlimited amount the Flyers can spend on them. They do have to change thier thinking. The current NHL calls for drafting your top players, as opposed to wheeling and dealing or free for all spending of years past. And that means having balanced drafts where you might let the "better" player drop to pick a guy almost as good that fits a need.
- youarewrong

Recently is the past year - and it's the Flyers haven't been lucky. But, other teams like Minnesota scored. I believe the UFA route, will still be viable - Especially with the decreasing cap. Teams will be looking at cap management, and players will be forced into UFA or want to go their for the Money. And, it was in the not too distant past, the Flyers pick up Bryz, who was basically a UFA.

And, don't forget about the trade route... Stock up on enough talent (in any position) and trade for your need. AKA, JVR for Schenn type of trade.

Lots of former Flyers still in the playoffs and winning Stanley Cups. Maybe they should trade better or less frequently?

zzzzzzz

Lots of former Flyers still in the playoffs and winning Stanley Cups. Maybe they should trade better or less frequently?
- TJ

That's some real insight there, Teej.

Overall the Flyers have a very strong drafting history. But they do need to do a better job identifying which defenseman to draft in later rounds.
- MJL

And Anthony SanFilippo saves the day.

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=671200

ASF's article makes much, much, much more sense.