The Philadelphia Flyers have been on a manhunt in search of help to become a consistent hockey team. Flyers General Manager Ron Hextall has slowly gone under the radar in the past four drafts with drafting late round studs. It just so happens these studs are at the positions of Center. Enter Tanner Laczynski a versatile Center, who was a late round draft pick from the 2016 NHL Draft.

“One of my major goals is to win a National Championship, and I will do what I can do to help out to contribute to that,” Laczynski states. “For me as a player, I have to be more consistent this year, step up my game. Be consistent game in and game out, practice in practice out. If I have an off game. I have to focus on other parts of my game even though the puck isn’t on my side.”

Laczynski was born June 1, 1997, in Shorewood, IL. The Flyers drafted him in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Draft. Laczynski committed to Ohio State University following the NHL Draft. After completing his first season with the Buckeyes Men’s Ice Hockey team, Laczynski amassed 10 goals, and 22 assists for a total of 32 points in 39 games played. These numbers were very strong for his freshman season. However, even with these strong numbers Laczynski feels as though he should perform better.

“I need to focus on getting stronger. The stronger, the better as I’m on the edge of my skates, so I can excel on that part of my game. Skating is a big part of my game.”

The young prospect in Laczynski continues, “I try to train the way what’s gotten me to this point. I may change-up lifts I do, or skill sets I’m working on day-to-day on the ice. In the off-season I try to get on the ice a few days of the week.”

When Laczynski heard his name get called by the Flyers he instantly became ecstatic. All the hard work and dedication finally paid off, as did his dream of playing in the NHL. Even with his emotions of being drafted by an NHL team. Laczynski couldn’t thank his coaches enough for getting him to the point where he was on that special day.

“All the coaches I’ve had. Whether, it be Triple A or the USHL. Dan Muse played a big part of Defensively from National to now. He’s put an emphasis on Defense. Defense leads to offense, and this is how I try to emulate my game.”

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After watching film on Laczynski from this past season at Ohio State, he looked like a player of the future. He was confident, good with his hands, and speedy. This is exactly the prototype player that the Flyers are in need of right now. For his sophomore season in 2017-18 for the Buckeyes, Laczynski tallied 17 goals, and 30 assists for a total of 47 points in 41 games played. Moreover, for his efforts Laczynski was named as a 2018 Hobey Baker Award Nominee (Award given to the best NCAA hockey player). So what fueled his great season? Maybe it was his favorite food, or a player he loved watching while growing up.

“On game days Chicken Parmesan is my go to. Other than that Hibachi. I’m pretty good at catching the shrimp in my mouth (Laughing). Whenever Jaromir Jagr was on I always watched him. I watch films on him on you tube. Obviously, you can’t model your play after him, or become that player that he is.”

It is no secret that the Flyers have been restocking the farm system the past few seasons. Eventually we will see how all this pans out in the coming years. Will all these young prospects work out maybe not, but the majority of them hopefully will. Add Laczynski to the list of players to watch for in the future. He has a never say die attitude who never gives up, and that alone will make him a fan favorite here in Philadelphia. He leaves the fans of Philadelphia with this last message:

“Obviously, I’m going to give it all I got. I’m willing to play in any role that they give me. I think I proved that. Whether, it be on the World Junior Team, and what not. I can play Center role or Wing role. I can win faceoffs, and do whatever to help the team. Whether, it’s on the power play…just do whatever it takes to win.”

Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports