Predicting Flyers Line: Line Four

In our previous installment of “Predicting Flyers Lines,” Scott Laughton, Noah Cates, and Tyson Foester made up Philly’s pivot line. Now it is time to look at the Flyers fourth forward line, which is surely to be a trusted source of setting the tone for John Tortorella’s Flyers in 2023-2024.

LEFT WING – NICOLAS DESLAURIERS 

The Flyers inked Nic Deslauriers to a four-year contract last summer, much to the chagrin of a section of Flyers faithful. However, Deslauriers actually turned out to be a useful player for the orange and black.

He contributed to the team’s penalty kill, but he also provided some needed toughness to the lineup in an effort to rebuild the club’s identity. Deslauriers will likely fulfill that role once again this coming season and help create the space for the club’s younger players to operate. 

CENTER – RYAN POEHLING 

Once a former first-round pick, Poehling signed a one-year contract with the Flyers over the summer. The Minnesota native will compete for the fourth line center spot.

Poehling likely has the inside track as he can play the game physically and uses his size and reach to his advantage.

Although a few years old now (Poehling was drafted in 2017), here’s Steve Kournious had to say about the former St. Cloud State player:

Poehling is a big-bodied center who was the only 1999-born player participating in Division I hockey. Being a freshman on a strong St. Cloud State squad pushed him into a depth role, but his upside is well within a top line position. He can provide superior play in every situation and displays enough flash to make the thought of him becoming a star discernible. Poehling was a big reason why Team USA can within a whisker of winning gold at the Ivan Hlinka, playing close to 20 minutes a game and producing highlight-reel plays. He can be one heck of a fancy player if the situation calls for it. The stats (7-6-13 in 35 games) are somewhat indicative of a freshman forward on a stacked team, but he’s a strong skater who can dangle, dazzle and hit, drawing comparisons to Nashville’s Ryan Johansen. Poehling can play physical and uses his size and reach to his advantage, especially on the penalty kill, where he is a threat to score. He thinks the game at a high level and has proven to take over games.

You can find the rest of his scouting report here.

Poehling is also a quality penalty killer and uses his hockey sense to create offensive opportunities.

Overall Poehling is a smart player that can fulfill a myriad of responsibilities. He is also being young enough at just 24 years old to still become a higher level player.

He’s the perfect low risk and potentially high reward player a team like the Flyers should be searching for. 

RIGHT WING – GARNET HATHAWAY 

Like the names above Hathaway is a physical player that can bring a little more than just truculence. He can contribute to a penalty kill and is quite good at it.

Before being being dealt to Boston at last seasons trade deadline, Hathaway had been one of the more reliable Capitals’ penalty kill options for their 11th ranked unit. His 1:15 of shorthanded ice time per game over his time with the Capitals was third most among active, healthy Caps forwards as well. Plus, the 32-year-old can provide a bit of scoring in a reduced role.

HONORABLE MENTIONS 

Wade Allison – Can this be the year Allison stays healthy and fulfills his potential? There will be competition here for a spot. 

Tanner Laczynski – Laczynski’s ability to play both center and wing should keep him in the conversation for fourth line duty. 

Bobby Brink – A hip injury sidelined the Flyers prospect for half the year last season. Now with a clean bill of health, a strong camp could put him in the conversation for a bottom six spot.

Elliot Desnoyers – With a four game call-up with the Flyers last season, Desnoyers made a little impression with his tenacity.

MARK RAMOS IS A CONTRIBUTOR FOR HW HOCKEY
LISTEN TO HIGH AND WIDE RADIO ON APPLE PODCASTS OR SPOTIFY
FOR MORE FLYERS COVERAGE, FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE TO HIGH & WIDE HOCKEY ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND YOUTUBE!