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Flyers Sign Laczynski, Quick Hits

March 23, 2020, 6:37 PM ET [52 Comments]
Bill Meltzer
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Flyers Sign Laczynski

The Flyers have signed 22-year-old forward Tanner Laczynski to a two-year entry level contract kicking in for the 2020-21 season, the organization announced on Monday. Drafted by the Flyers in the sixth round (199th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Laczynski played four collegiate seasons at Ohio State University before the NCAA recently called off the 2020 regional tournaments and the Frozen Four.

Able to play center or wing, Laczynski has skated on the Buckeyes' top forward line each of the last two seasons but projects at the pro level as more of a versatile role player who can see spot duty higher in the lineup as needed. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Illinois native is heavy on the puck and plays a responsible 200-foot game.

“He plays a mature two-way game, he’s a proven leader, and we see him as a versatile forward for the Flyers organization going forward," Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr said.

During his freshman season at Ohio State, Laczynski beat out some more highly touted prospects to earn a roster spot on Team USA’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2016-17 World Junior Championships. His ability to adapt to a fourth-line role helped him win the job.

Overall at the NCAA level, Laczynski appeared in 138 games and posted 143 points (48g, 95a) over his four seasons. The Buckeyes reached the Frozen Four in March 28. Laczynski was selected as a second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten in 2017-18. This season, as a senior, he led his team in scoring after ranking second in his junior year.

Laczynski was one of two collegiate seniors the Flyers needed to sign this year prior to them become eligible for unrestricted free agency on Aug. 15, 2020. The other is Western Michigan power forward Wade Allison (2016 second-round pick). Flahr recently indicated that the organization had been in touch with the players' agents/family advisors and felt confident that deals could be worked out at some point.

The Flyers also have had interest in exploring whether Wisconsin junior defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk and Minnesota-Duluth sophomore forward Noah Cates were interested in turning pro sooner rather than later. Freshman notables Cam York (defenseman, Michigan) and Bobby Brink (right wing, Denver) are likely to return to their college programs for at least on additional season.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, 2018 first-round pick Jay O'Brien spent the 2019-20 season in the BCHL with the Penticton Vees while sitting out the required one NCAA season in order to be permitted to transfer from Providence College to Boston University. For eligibility purposes, O'Brien will be considered a sophomore next season. He will turn 21 on Nov. 4.

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Quick Hits: March 24, 2020

1) The Canadian Hockey League (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) announced on Monday that it has had to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season -- including the Memorial Cup -- due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision offically ends the season for all five of the Flyers-affiliated prospects who played this season in CHL leagues: Egor Zamula (D, Calgary Hitmen, WHL), Wyatte Wylie (D, Everett Silvertips, WHL), Roddy Ross (G, Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL), Mason Millman (D, Saginaw Spirit, OHL), Egor Serdyuk (RW, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL).

Zamula was shut down for the season shortly after representing Russia at the World Junior Championsips in order to get back surgery. Both he and the recently signed Wylie are under entry-level contract for 2020-21 and are slated to turn pro.

The American Hockey and NHL have both suspended their seasons indefinitely. The ECHL, the NCAA, and the Swedish Hockey League (among other European Leagues) have already canceled the remainder of their seasons and playoffs.

2) Today in Flyers History: On March 24, 1993, Flyers center Eric Lindros notched a hat trick to set the franchise rookie goal scoring record. He would eventually finish the campaign with 41 goals despite missing 23 games due to knee injuries. The next year, in 1993-94, frequent Lindros linemate Mikael Renberg set a franchise overall rookie scoring record with 82 points. To read more, click here.

3) Flyers Alumni birthday: Towering defenseman Oliver Lauridsen was born in Gentofte, Denmark, on March 24, 1989.

4) On Monday's edition of Jason Myrtetus' Flyers Daily podcast on Flyers Broadcast Network, Jason and Steve Coates discussed Scott Laughton's standout season to date. Tomorrow on the Flyers official website, there will be an in-depth profile on Laughton.
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