Flyers GM Hextall looking to make a splash in NHL draft

The Flyers are thin on promising young forwards and have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, making next weekend's deep draft a potential launching point for general manager Ron Hextall and his staff.

The Flyers have two first-round picks (Nos. 7 and 29), seven selections in the first four rounds, and 10 picks overall.

"This is a very critical draft for us," Hextall said during a news conference Friday at the Skate Zone in Voorhees. "I think one of the more critical drafts in years.  We've got to hit.  We have to hit here.  We do have a lot of picks, and we have some holes to fill.  We need to keep young players coming."

It is no secret that centers Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel will be selected Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, by Edmonton and Buffalo. Hextall hinted he believes defenseman Noah Hanifin will go No. 3.

"But when you get by that, I think there's a lot of guys that are similar level players," the general manager said.

For that reason - and because the first two picks are virtually untouchable - it is unlikely Hextall will try to make a deal to move up in the draft.

Winger Mikko Rantanen and defenseman Ivan Provorov are two players who could be available at No. 7. Both may be able to step in and help an NHL team immediately.

Hextall said he will take the best player and not necessarily one that fits a specific need.

The GM said it was "probably fair to hope we get three or four players out of this draft" who become regulars down the road.

Hextall, whose team is fighting cap problems because of questionable signings made by his predecessor, Paul Holmgren, wants to build through the draft.

"I think it's the only way to be successful over a long period of time," he said. "Free agency is a tool, but it's only a tool.  You can't build a team through free agency.  We have a cap.  We have a hard cap.  I think you look at Chicago, you look at L.A., you look at Tampa, they're built through the draft.  Draft and develop.  We're not reinventing anything here.  It is what I believe in and it's what I've always believed in."

Hextall said there's a bond that develops between the player and organization when he is drafted.

"I would like in three or four years to have a lot of homegrown players, a lot of our picks on your team," he said. "There's something special there.  Your first team is kind of like your first girlfriend."