The Flyers are officially done with their NHL Entry Draft. With pick 199, they selected right shot defenseman Matteo Mann from the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL.
Stats:
In 45 games in the QMJHL in 2022-2023, Mann put up five points, all assists. He played three playoff games and registered zero points.
Skills:
Mann is BIG. Measuring at 6’5″ and weighing in at a 225 pounds, he uses his size to bulldoze and steamroll opposing players. He also doesn’t just use his body. Mann has a solid hockey IQ all around for a defenseman, as he uses his stick a bunch, knocking pucks away with his above average reach. Mann is also is good at staying in position and knowing when to stay back instead of pinch.
Weaknesses:
Offense. Kind of a black hole there. Mann really doesn’t move the puck particularly well, and he only had 48 shots on goal in his 45 games played this past season. He’s definitely a project and will take time to develop. If he can tap into his offensive game though, he could become an okay two-way defenseman for a team that needs defensive depth as a season goes along.
Timeline:
He might never sniff an NHL roster, which is normal for players taken so late in the draft. If we do hear from him, it will be in like five to seven years.
NHL Player Comparison:
I’m guessing he was taken because of how similar he feels to Rasmus Ristolainen. A big, tall, strong, right shot defenseman that will make your life hell with big hit after big hit. If he can learn to avoid the problems Ristolainen developed in Buffalo of abandoning the puck for the hit, and chasing a player instead of marking his zone, he should be able to develop well with good coaching.
NHL Projection:
Like most prospects taken this late, Mann is a long-shot to make the league. But his size is awesome and if he can develop he could become a 5th to 7th defenseman in the future.
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