2020 NHL draft profile: Flyers shouldn't hesitate if Ty Smilanic is available in 2nd round

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The NHL draft lottery that typically takes place in early April tends to spark the conversation of prospects and when they will be selected.

With the 2019-20 season currently suspended, there’s a high level of uncertainty for when the lottery will occur and where teams will be slotted in the draft order — or when the draft itself will even be held. Still, it’s important to start looking at possible players the Flyers could take in the draft.

Today, we will look at a prospect that the Flyers shouldn't ignore if his name is still on the board in the second round. 

Ty Smilanic

Position: Forward
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 185
Shoots: Left
Team: U.S. national team development program (2019-20)/Quinnipiac (2020-21)

Scouting report

The 18-year-old from Colorado possesses a powerful combination of strong work ethic and raw talent, while still having room for improvement. Smilanic has the ability to instantly elevate his team’s talent when he hits the ice and is one of the more fluid players on the roster. 

Adam Kimelman for NHL.com noted that, “Smilanic works hard in all three zones and has developed a powerful shot he’s able to get off from anywhere in the offensive zone.” 

After having an injury-riddled season this past year and with the strong likeliness of the NHL combine being cancelled, there’s a high possibility he goes after the first round.

Fit with Flyers

There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Nolan Patrick and his status when it comes to getting back in the game. With no definite timetable for his return, it may be smart to build up center depth. Outside of Sean Couturier and Kevin Hayes, the bottom two lines could be a toss up down the middle. 

While it would have been beneficial to see Smilanic at his full potential in his final season before entering the draft, this opens up the opportunity to possibly selecting him in the second round. 

As one of the most solid forwards from the U.S national U-18 team, he would be an excellent addition to the pipeline within the Flyers' organization. 

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