It’s Nolan Patrick’s Draft, but Don’t Ignore Morgan Frost

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(Kevin Durso/Sports Talk Philly)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

When the first round of the NHL Draft took place just over a month ago, many Flyers fans figured it was one and done. The Flyers had the second overall pick, and their selection would come early on this night.

Nico Hischier went first, so the Flyers selected Nolan Patrick and that seemed like it would be all for the Flyers as the night moved on.

Then came the surprising trade that got the Flyers back into the first round, sending Brayden Schenn to the St. Louis Blues for Jori Lehtera, the 27th overall pick and a conditional first-round pick in 2018. The 27th overall pick produced Morgan Frost.

It’s Patrick’s draft year and he will define the 2017 class for the Flyers. But if Development Camp was any indication, don’t sleep on Frost.

"I think I'm definitely a playmaker first," Frost said. "I think you're always going to see me with more assists than goals."

Frost displayed such talents in Development Camp. He emerged as one of the smooth skaters in the camp and looked very good in offensive drills.

Frost was advertised as a smart player first and foremost, but his ability to read the play helps him make plays.

"I think for me, playing with a goal scorer is part of the best thing because I'm a guy that likes to distribute," Frost said. "At the same time, I feel like I can contribute offensively in terms of scoring, but I'm definitely a playmaker."

While Frost’s offensive ability was notable, his defensive play was obviously going to need some work. Development Camp for the Flyers has consistently been about providing prospects with the on-ice time and coaching to improve in areas of weakness without the pressure of evaluation.

GM Ron Hextall has said as much in the past. Development Camp isn’t going to be used for evaluation, but for improvement. For Frost, that was beneficial as he put extra time into his defensive play.

"They kind of stressed that to me right when I got there," Frost said. "I was kind of a one-dimensional player, offensive. They stressed that it wasn't all about that, it's not about scoring goals or setting up goals all the time if you're going to be on the ice for goals against. So plus-minus was something I wanted to improve on and just be harder to play against, play defense. They turned me into more of a well-rounded player."

When the Flyers take the ice for training camp in September, all eyes may be on Nolan Patrick and his potential to quite possibly make an NHL roster immediately as an 18-year-old. The expectations are lower for Frost for now, and the pressure isn’t really on to make it to the NHL immediately.

But in the early going, Frost has shown the potential to reach the NHL in the near future as well, making him another first-round prospect to watch as the next season or two progresses.

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