Flyers Claim 2nd Overall Pick at 2017 NHL Draft

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The NHL Draft lottery was held on Saturday night, determining the Flyers draft position in the first round.

Following the lottery, the Flyers were among the three finalists for the top three overall picks. They finished with the second overall pick, their highest selection since 2007.

In recent years, the second overall pick has been used to select players like Patrik Laine in 2016, Jack Eichel in 2015, Sam Reinhart in 2014, Aleksander Barkov in 2013 and Ryan Murray in 2012.

The Flyers have had the second overall pick in the NHL Draft once in franchise history, selecting James van Riemsdyk in 2007. If the Flyers had won the lottery, it would have been just the second time in franchise history they had the top pick. This is just the third time in franchise history the Flyers have had a top three pick.

Names like Nico Hischier, Nolan Patrick, Gabriel Vilardi and Michael Rasmussen are expected to headline the 2017 Draft. 

The Flyers had a 2.2 percent chance for the first overall pick and a 2.4 percent chance for the second overall pick. They climbed 11 spots from 13th to second.

The NHL Draft will take place on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 in Chicago.

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