Bill Meltzer: Phantoms Playoff Gameday (Gm 2 vs HER), Bunnaman and More

LV/Hershey series is a tough one for me in terms of who to pull for. I grew up a half hour away from Hershey going to Bears games as a kid when they were the Flyer's affiliate.

I guess with these AHL games it's not so much the wins and losses, but about player progression in hopes they become quality NHL players.

Bill,

I know its still early in his development, but will Bunnaman still project as a center when he turns pro in a few years, or will he have to switch to wing? Thanks.

"If the 2016 NHL Draft were reheld now, he would likely have been a second-round pick according to a non-Flyers scout."

I now count 4 guys the Flyers have recently picked who would have gone higher than their original draft position: Bunnaman, Myers (obviously not drafted), Tanner Laczynski, and Osklar Lindblom. I have to imagine that Carter Hart would get a higher draft profile based on his play last year and before his NCAA eligibility was removed, Cooper Marody could have easily fallen into that category also, in addition to perhaps Wade Allison at Western Michigan. Hextall, Pryor and the scouting staff have done a nice job in the later rounds recently.

"Bunnaman - If the 2016 NHL Draft were reheld now, he would likely have been a second-round pick according to a non-Flyers scout"

This seems to be a nice trend of Hextall draft picks and signings. Been said Myers and Lindblom, undrafted and 5th round respectively, would both be first rounders and now a 5th rounder a 2nd rounder. Lets hope their development follows thru.

"If the 2016 NHL Draft were reheld now, he would likely have been a second-round pick according to a non-Flyers scout."

I now count 4 guys the Flyers have recently picked who would have gone higher than their original draft position: Bunnaman, Myers (obviously not drafted), Tanner Laczynski, and Osklar Lindblom. I have to imagine that Carter Hart would get a higher draft profile based on his play last year and before his NCAA eligibility was removed, Cooper Marody could have easily fallen into that category also, in addition to perhaps Wade Allison at Western Michigan. Hextall, Pryor and the scouting staff have done a nice job in the later rounds recently.
- Sublime55

beat me to it by 4 mins

beat me to it by 4 mins
- nastyflyergirl

Great minds think alike (and quickly)

Great minds think alike (and quickly)
- Sublime55

seriously tho, this is how you build thru the draft without getting a top 5 pick year after year. hopefully these kids pan out

seriously tho, this is how you build thru the draft without getting a top 5 pick year after year. hopefully these kids pan out
- nastyflyergirl

It does provide a bit of optimism after a disappointing season!

Kadri deserves a goddamn Oscar. See Leafs thread.

Bill,

I know its still early in his development, but will Bunnaman still project as a center when he turns pro in a few years, or will he have to switch to wing? Thanks.
- ravishingone

I think he may be a left winger as a pro. However, he is one of the better faceoff men in the OHL -- took a lot of draws this year (530) and was nearly at 54%.

I think he may be a left winger as a pro. However, he is one of the better faceoff men in the OHL -- took a lot of draws this year (530) and was nearly at 54%.
- bmeltzer

nice versatility to have. even if he plays wing, its good to know he can jump in for a faceoff if necessary. same with Lindblom.

"If the 2016 NHL Draft were reheld now, he would likely have been a second-round pick according to a non-Flyers scout."

I now count 4 guys the Flyers have recently picked who would have gone higher than their original draft position: Bunnaman, Myers (obviously not drafted), Tanner Laczynski, and Osklar Lindblom. I have to imagine that Carter Hart would get a higher draft profile based on his play last year and before his NCAA eligibility was removed, Cooper Marody could have easily fallen into that category also, in addition to perhaps Wade Allison at Western Michigan. Hextall, Pryor and the scouting staff have done a nice job in the later rounds recently.
- Sublime55

But hextALL HIRES PEOPLE WITH FLYERS CONNECTIONS! WHEN WILL THESE OLD DOGS LEARN?!!!?!!!?!?!?!???!?!?!????!!!

Bunnaman will join the Phantoms, perhaps as early as Saturday, Hextall said. Bunnaman, goalie Carter Hart, and defenseman Phil Myers were re-assigned to the Phantoms after their junior seasons ended.

Out of that trio, Myers figures to have the best chance to play in this year's Calder Cup playoffs, though Hextall said the decision is in the hands of Lehigh Valley coach Scott Gordon and his staff.

But hextALL HIRES PEOPLE WITH FLYERS CONNECTIONS! WHEN WILL THESE OLD DOGS LEARN?!!!?!!!?!?!?!???!?!?!????!!!
- Giroux_Is_God

I think they will have to die off.

For a fan since the early 2000's, this team is kinda meh and those alumni nights are meaningless. Look to be on an upward trend which is nice. Bout time. Hope these prospects hit, and a few of them turn into stars - so to speak. Can't win poop with a bunch of 2nd Liners and an aging forward core.

I think they will have to die off.

For a fan since the early 2000's, this team is kinda meh and those alumni nights are meaningless. Look to be on an upward trend which is nice. Bout time. Hope these prospects hit, and a few of them turn into stars - so to speak. Can't win poop with a bunch of 2nd Liners and an aging forward core.
- flyer_nutter

Kadri deserves a goddamn Oscar. See Leafs thread.
- jmatchett383

kadri is a piece of poop he knew what he was doing

Wonka's Stache. Epic.

These prospects that are blooming late also can add to a trade that is a larger package of prospects to a team like Vegas, who sign a player we may like, then we swoop in and offer a lot of prospects for them to begin to build a prospect pool a bit deeper.

kadri is a piece of poop he knew what he was doing
- 2Real

Your boys being pushed hard by Edmonton out there.

Love seeing new teams establish themselves, league needs that. Hell as do the fans.

Bunnaman will join the Phantoms, perhaps as early as Saturday, Hextall said. Bunnaman, goalie Carter Hart, and defenseman Phil Myers were re-assigned to the Phantoms after their junior seasons ended.

Out of that trio, Myers figures to have the best chance to play in this year's Calder Cup playoffs, though Hextall said the decision is in the hands of Lehigh Valley coach Scott Gordon and his staff.
- nastyflyergirl

*prays he plays with a linemate called Echo*

I wonder what round aube-kubel would be picked in a redraft. A guy that lost his roster spot to golbourne leading up to the playoffs

Wonka's Stache. Epic.
- flyer_nutter

Dude, that is not Wonka....That is Dr Froderick Von Froonkensteen.

Dude, that is not Wonka....That is Dr Froderick Von Froonkensteen.
- Konalover

" it's pronounced Fronkensteen"

*prays he plays with a linemate called Echo*
- KINGKENZO

Awesome