2024 NHL MOCK DRAFT: PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

The Philadelphia Flyers missed the playoffs again for the 4th straight season in the 2023-24 season, but because they had been missing the playoffs and stockpiling high-quality prospects the past few years, they have one of the best prospect pools in the entire NHL. At the 2024 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers will have the chance to add on to an already impressive prospect pool, as the Flyers have two 1st round picks, one 2nd round pick, and a 3rd round pick; Philly also has two fifth-round picks, two 6th round picks, and a 7th round picks as well. The Flyers have 4 picks in the first three rounds, and 5 picks in rounds 5-7 for a total of 9 draft picks in the 2024 Draft. Philadelphia has the 12th overall pick in the Draft.

Related: 2024 NHL Mock Draft: Seattle Kraken

12. Michael BRANDSEGG-NYGARD (RW), 6’1/198, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard might not be the most popular prospect heading into the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, but there is much to like about his game. The main thing that should catch the attention of NHL scouts is how much of a team player he is and how his vision helps him see the ice to create opportunities for his teammates. His offensive game speaks for itself with an impressive stat line of eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points through 41 games this season.
Brandsegg-Nygard should be the highest-drafted Norwegian hockey player ever, and certainly the first to be selected in the first round. Brandsegg-Nygård might be one of the most complete players in the upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft. While some players usually have one strength with their offensive game that stands out to many scouts, he has several strengths and doesn’t neglect any of them. It also helps that he is viewed as one of the strongest defensive-minded forwards in the upcoming draft, so translating his game from Europe to North America shouldn’t be too difficult. Usually, bigger players neglect their skating ability and try to stand out with another trait, but not Brandsegg-Nygård. His ability to get up to speed and beat players in puck races even with a larger stature than most is impressive. There shouldn’t be much question as to where Brandsegg-Nygård ends up going in the draft. He could sneak into the top 7-10 and have a team take a chance on him, but he will likely be taken around the 11-15 mark. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard projects to be a solid second-line forward in the NHL, who can have a long NHL career, ironically his game reminds me of a current players player who has become a heart and soul type guy, Travis Konecny. With very few holes in his game, it may not take long for Brandsegg-Nygard to crack the Flyers’ lineup.

32. Yegor SURIN (C), 6’1/192, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

Yegor (or Egor) Surin is a highly competitive and skilled prospect who has mostly played on the wing lately, though his skill set would lend itself well to him becoming a pro center. Surin is one of the youngest players in the 2024 Draft, with his August birthday making him roughly a month away from being eligible in 2025 instead. Surin is a polarizing prospect out of Russia this season as his discipline (or lack thereof) and decision-making can lead to him putting himself or his team in unenviable positions. When he’s at his best, Surin uses his teammates well, both as passing options and as distractions for opposing defenders. Surin’s best trait is his competitive level, which is strong enough to make him that classic fan-favorite type of player who just never seems to quit on a play. He works incredibly hard in all three zones, putting as much effort into a forecheck/backcheck as he would a two-on-one situation on offense. Surin has the size to be a pro forward at 6-foot-1, and his high motor makes him a consistent factor defensively. Those are the main reasons I could see him as a long-term center, though he can truly play any of the three forward positions. Surin’s dangerous from the flank on the power play, and his shot is hard and accurate which makes him a scoring threat from a good range. He spent this season in Russia’s top junior league, the MHL, where he scored 53 points in 43 games, as well as 23 points in 19 playoff games. Russian players are still incredibly difficult to project in the NHL Draft, but since the Flyers do already have Matvei Michkov and Ivan Fedotov already on the team, they shown the ability to get their Russian players to come over from Russia. Yegor Surin could be a good fit alongside Matvei Michkov if the Flyers choose to select a Russian center with this pick.

51. Alfons FREIJ (D), 6’1/192, Växjö Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

While he may not be one of the elite defensive prospects in this year’s draft, Alfons Freij has the potential to be one of the most effective offensive defensemen to come out of this draft class. Freij is a tremendous skater and playmaker from the blue line who would be capable of quarterbacking the power play with ease. Defensively, he is a bit of a project as he often finds himself out of position due to playing overly aggressively in the offensive zone. Despite having a fairly big frame, Freij doesn’t use his size to his advantage very often. He tends to shy away from the physical side of the game more often than not. Once he comes over to North America, that will certainly be one of the key aspects that most teams will look to improve. His awareness in the offensive zone is phenomenal, he seemingly is always in the right place at the right time, however, sometimes he does make mistakes that cost him in his own zone. Freij’s defensive shortcomings will almost certainly be concerning to teams in the NHL, as he needs drastic improvement in that regard. His offensive ability can be game-changing though, his playmaking will create quite a few scoring opportunities which may make up for the concerns about his defense. Overall, it’s likely he will end up being a second or third-pairing defenseman who specializes in the power play. Alfons Freij could be a steal in the second round for the Philadelphia Flyers, who are already stacked on defense, the rich just get richer.

77. Maximilian CURRAN (C), 6’3/190, Tri-City Americans (WHL)

Maxmilian Curran is a Czech forward who played for the Tri-City Americans in the Western Hockey League this past season, totaling five goals and 32 points in 40 games. He also appeared in 17 games for Czechia’s national team at the U18 level, totaling two goals and nine points. You might see it and think he’s a defenseman, but that isn’t the case. Based on that, it’s easy to tell that playmaking is the strength of his game. He sees the ice well and uses his vision to set up teammates for quality scoring chances. Another strength of Curran’s game is his two-way play. He’s responsible defensively and isn’t shy about backchecking, something you need as a center, especially since he projects to play a bottom-six role in the NHL. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, he has the frame to play a physical game if he so chooses, however, Curran is a bit passive physically for someone who’s already 6-foot-3, 190 pounds. A smart playmaker with a solid 6-foot-3 frame, Curran has drawn attention for his two-way play. He’s not flashy by any means, but the Tri-City Americans have counted on him in most situations. There’s some sleeper top-40 potential here as a forward with a solid pro skillset, potentially in a bottom-six role. Curran likely projects to be a bottom-six playmaking forward who plays on the penalty kill in the NHL. His size suggests he’ll stick at center, but he’s versatile enough to play either wing position.

148. Miroslav SATAN Jr. (C), 6’7/190, HC Slovan Bratislava U20 (Slovakia U20)

Miroslav Satan Jr. is the son of former NHL forward Miroslav Satan, and stands at a towering height of 6 foot 7 and weighs 190 pounds, making him one of the biggest forwards in the 2024 NHL draft. He was born in New York, USA, but he represents his father’s country, Slovakia, nationally. The 17-year-old centerman scored 30 points in 25 games with the HC Slovan Bratislava U20 in the Slovakia U20 league. There is plenty of room for growth but the speed he carried himself with was absolutely insane. It was about all he brought to the table but the potential is hard to ignore. Despite his 6 foot 7 frame, he isn’t that physical a player, relying on soft stick checks and getting turned around and left behind often, but it’s going to be hard for NHL teams to leave a player this tall, this fast, and this curious completely off the board at the draft. He may be a home run swing, but this is a guy who has some high-end traits in his game while also being a giant. Satan isn’t likely going to be a goal-scoring forward like his father, but if he improves his defensive play and plays more physically, there is definitely a future for him as a third-line shutdown center, with his size and frame. Miroslav Satan Jr fits the bill of a hit-or-miss pick, but if he does pan out, the Flyers will have a very good player.

150. Frankie MARRELLI (D), 5’11/185, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

While many consider Frankie Marrelli small for his position, it hasn’t hurt his game at all. He is solid defensively, bringing physicality and strong rush defense to the ice. Many scouts and teams might wish he were bigger, given that he projects as more of a defensive blueliner, but he has improved his draft odds considerably in his time with the Ottawa 67’s. In a draft with many talented defencemen projected to go early in the first round and potentially through the first couple of rounds, Marrelli is an exciting prospect, given the value he would bring as a later-round draft pick and how he can develop his game. Marelli is known for bringing an old-fashioned, tough approach to the backend. He excels in man-on-man defense and isn’t afraid to throw big hits at the blue line. He has an excellent active stick when defending against rushes and is a fierce competitor in battles along the boards and in front of the net. He’s also known for giving a few extra stick chops even after the puck is gone. Although he isn’t the fastest skater, he is controlled on his inside edges and maintains his balance well. His passing game is simple but effective, and he consistently makes good first passes.
Marrelli is known for his strong defensive game, and willingness to play physically, but his lack of size and offensive skills have affected his draft stock. Even if Marrelli doesn’t become a 2nd pair defenseman, with his attributes, he could be a solid third-pair defenseman and a valuable part of the PK. Considering Marrelli’s size, strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth, finding him the ideal partner is essential, if you pair him alongside a defenseman like Oliver Bonk, he would be a solid defenseman.

Round 6-7

173. Vasili Zelenov (LW), 5’11/170, RB Hockey Juniors (AlpsHL)

Vasili Zelenov is a skilled offensive winger who takes very smart offensive routes off the puck. He is an active skater and moves his feet a lot and plays at high pace. His first steps look quick and he can reach solid speed, but he was not often able to separate. What stood out the most in his game was his skill in small areas. Zelenov can regularly create offense, and has good size and footwork and is a skilled two-way winger who has a high motor both ways. He moves his feet frequently and can generate solid speed. He is a solid skater with good footwork who has the ability to create space with quick cutbacks on the half-wall. In the 2023-24 season, Zelenov scored 37 points in 40 games in the AlpsHL along with 6 points in 11 playoff games. Zelenov is the type of player who can fit perfectly with top-end talent and could be a future linemate for Matvei Michkov.

177. Kevin ISRAELSSON (D), 6’3/209,Vaxjo Lakers HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

Kevin Israelsson is a massive right-shooting rearguard who came on like a gangbuster this season. He led all Swedish defensemen in the top junior league in goals with 17 and has a real cannon of a point shot that he utilizes on the power play, getting real torque and hip rotation. Israelsson walks the blue on the power play, creating shooting angles and lanes, pins and seals well on dee, and also does a nice job of tying the attacker up near the front. As much a weapon as he can be offensively, on defense, his lateral agility is suspect, and has trouble with wide speed, as he needs to improve his defensive footwork and his pivots. At this point in his career, he projects a powerplay specialist that can run a powerplay, until he proves he can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck. The good news for Israelsson is that there is always a spot for a right-handed shooting defenseman in the NHL, so he could be a solid pick in the 6th round. Although the Flyers are loaded on defense, you can never have too many defensive prospects.

205. Kirill ZARUBIN (G), 6’4/179, AKM Tula (MHL)

Kirill Zarubin could be a hidden gem in the 2024 NHL draft, Zarubin is a very athletic goalie who takes up a lot of space in front of his net. He is constantly in control of rebounds, he’s a goaltender who gets forward well on shots, absorbs the puck well with his body and covers a lot of ground with his pads. His reading of the game and his anticipation are two elite qualities in his game. He regularly picks up information in the slot, scanning the danger zones, so as not to get caught out by one-timer shots. In Russia, he literally carries his team on his shoulders. He’s had shutouts against some excellent teams in the MHL and held off Loko and SKA brilliantly on several occasions without having the support in front of him. In the playoffs, he raised his game even higher, collecting two shutouts during the play-in. He played some big games in the playoffs against Spartak, the MHL’s 5th-ranked team, but it wasn’t enough. He’s the goalie who’s seen the most action this season, performing very well on a mid-team, and as of March 12, 2023, nobody had listed or even talked about him. Kirill Zarubin definitely has starter potential, but does net development in North America before transitioning to the NHL. With Alexsei Kolosov’s NHL future up uncertain, it wouldn’t hurt to add some depth to the goaltending pipeline.

Draft Recap

B

Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (RW)
Yegor Surin (C/LW/RW)
Alfons Freij (D)
Maximilian Curran (C)
Miroslav Satan Jr. (C)
Frankie Marrelli (D)
Vasili Zelenov (LW)
Kevin Israelsson (D)
Kirill Zarubin (G)

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