Ed Mulholland – USA TODAY Sports
At just eight minutes long, the first episode of Philadelphia Flyers new web series “Flight Plan” debuted Aug. 6 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Titled “The War Room,” the pilot episode was filmed in June as the Flyers were preparing for the 2013 NHL Draft in New Jersey.
As we now know, the Flyers drafted Samuel Morin with the 11th overall pick, surprising many fans and pundits alike. Morin was expected to go much lower in the draft, some projecting him as a second-round pick. “Flight Plan” reveals that the Flyers thought otherwise.
Taking place in a conference room surrounding a mock-draft board, some familiar faces can be seen throughout the episode, most notably that of Chris Pronger, who remains silent throughout the process. Flyers scout Dennis Patterson was pushing hard for Morin, noting that he was a massive 6-foot-8 defenseman (he’s actually 6-foot-6). Flyers brass saw Morin as big and aggressive, with plenty of potential.
Morin does have an upside, but he lacks the skill that was obvious in other players at the draft. The Flyers’ brass seemed adamant about acquiring Morin, placing him sixth on the draft board. Keep in mind, the Flyers drafted 11th, meaning they didn’t think they’d be able to draft Morin.
More shocking than Morin’s high pre-draft ranking by the Flyers were the players he was placed above. They ranked Morin higher than highly touted defenseman Darnell Nurse, who was picked seventh overall, and Rasmus Ristolianen, who was drafted eighth overall.
Morin is indeed big and aggressive, with room to grow in the coming years before he finally dons the orange and black sweater. But it’s interesting to see just how high the Flyers’ brass were on the 18-year-old defenseman. “Flight Plan” will continue to air throughout the season, as it tracks the Flyers’ progress through the draft and beyond.
Andrew Fitzgerald is a Philadelphia Flyers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @awfitz. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
