The Philadelphia Flyers traded into the second round by swapping pick #167 this year and a 2024 second round pick that belonged to Los Angeles for the 51st pick that belonged to the Chicago Blackhawks. With the pick, the Flyers drafted goaltender Carson Bjarnason.
The Brandon Wheat Kings goaltender posted a 21-19-5 record with a 3.08 GAA and a .900 SV%. Despite his poor peripherals, Bjarnason was ranked as the number one goaltending prospect in North America and played on a not-so-good Wheat Kings team that finished 10th in their conference.
This was his first full season as the starting net minder for the Wheat Kings but he did play in 23 games in 2021-22, posted an 8-10-1 record, .882 SV%, and a 4.00 GAA.
Bjarnason was ranked 24th on Craig Button’s final rankings, 42nd on McKeen’s Hockey, and 59th on Bob McKenzie’s list. He watched and admired Carter Hart, loves the way he plays, and can’t wait to meet his fellow WHL alum.
The pick might seem a tad underwhelming considering Andrew Cristall was taken 40th and Lukas Dragicevic and Riley Heidt were still available, but Brent Flahr was keen on the goaltender and even name dropped him at their press conference earlier in the week.
“Between Yager, Danielson up the middle, then you got Molendyk, you got Bjarnason in net, Honzik because of the Czechs playing out there, so it’s a good draft.”
The Flyers were without a second round pick this year as it was part of the package that landed Rasmus Ristolainen back in 2021. In essence, the Flyers traded Jay O’Brien for Carson Bjarnason as they were set to receive a compensatory pick in next year’s draft. Not a bad way to spin it.
2024 Stadium Series Trip
Flyers Nation and Philly Sports Trips have teamed up to bring you on an amazing bus trip to the 2024 NHL Stadium Series between the Flyers and Devils. Place an early deposit to reserve your spot at the ultimate tailgate experience at MetLife Stadium before the game. The package includes a game ticket, round-trip charter bus, an all-inclusive tailgate party with unlimited cold beverages, “Philly Style” catered food, live entertainment, and more.
