The Philadelphia Flyerslanded a potential top pair right shot defenseman Wednesday, selecting Oliver Bonk with the No. 22nd overallpick in the 2023 NHL draft.
From the OHL, Bonk finished with 10 G & 30 A in 67-games with the London Knights.
Bonk has been a late draft riser. His stock moving from mid 2nd round to late 1st round due to his strong 2nd half of the season in London.
The 6’3″ 181lbs right handed defenseman finished as the #26th ranked prospect according to Daily Faceoff.
“Bonk’s toolkit looks like an NHL defenseman. He’s a 6-foot-2 right shot with strong mobility and offensive touch. Bonk is able to skate pucks up ice, make some skilled plays, and shows good poise from the blue line.” – Corey Pronman, The Athletic
Bonk projects to be a defensively sound top-4 NHL defenseman, not to mention on the right side. Which, are extremely hard to find in the NHL today.
General Manager Danny Briere mentioned that they were getting nervous about Bonk not being there at 22. Felt confident it was not a reach to select a right shot defenseman of Bonk’s talent at 22.
Listen to Michkov’s first interview as a Flyers player here…
The Flyers have 7 picks remaining in the 2023 draft, including another pick tonight at #22.
