Philadelphia Flyers Draft History: How the Team Built its Roster Over the Years

The Philadelphia Flyers have a long and storied draft history, with many great players being selected over the years. Let’s take a look at how the team has built its roster through the NHL Entry Draft.

1967 Expansion Draft: The Flyers’ first draft was actually the 1967 Expansion Draft, where they were able to select players from other teams in the league. The team’s first-ever draft pick was Bernie Parent, who would go on to become one of the greatest goaltenders in Flyers history.

Early Drafts: In the early years of the NHL Entry Draft, the Flyers had some notable picks, including Bill Barber (1972), Mel Bridgman (1975), and Ken Linseman (1978). These players helped build the foundation of the team and set the stage for future success.

The Broad Street Bullies Era: During the Broad Street Bullies era of the 1970s, the Flyers drafted several key players who helped the team win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975. Notable picks from this era include Bobby Clarke (1969), Reggie Leach (1970), and Rick MacLeish (1970).

1980s and Beyond: In the 1980s, the Flyers continued to draft talented players, including Brian Propp (1979), Ron Hextall (1982), and Pelle Eklund (1983). The team had some success during this era, but was unable to win another Stanley Cup championship.

In more recent years, the Flyers have continued to draft talented players, including Claude Giroux (2006), Sean Couturier (2011), and Ivan Provorov (2015). These players have helped the team remain competitive and could be key pieces in a future championship run.

In conclusion, the Philadelphia Flyers have a rich draft history, with many great players being selected over the years. From the early days of the team to the present, the Flyers have consistently drafted talented players who have helped the team achieve success.