Flyers general manager Danny Briere spoke to the media today for a regular mid-season media availability.
It is his first since the world junior championships took place, so he took some time to speak about the team's top prospects development, specifically at that event.
First, he addressed 2024 1st round pick Jett Luchanko.
Then, he talked about 2023 1st round pick Oliver Bonk, who averaged well over 20 minutes per game for Canada in the tournament, but had mixed results.
Briere's comments drew attention from around the NHL, including from prospect expert Scott Wheeler, who covers the NHL draft and prospect pools for the Athletic.
Wheeler largely agreed with the Flyers GM, noting that the general consensus around the league is that both Luchanko and Bonk, among others, were not put in the best positions to succeed at this year's tournament.
Briere has proven himself to be a shrewed and competent general manager so far, such as when he got a 1st round pick for Sean Walker last year.
As such, his words should not be taken lightly. This is a guy who knows what he is talking about.
Perhaps in the future, team Canada will make him GM of the world junior team.
The full press conference with Briere can be seen in the post below.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 21 | 120 ANSWERS Danny Briere Puts Team Canada on Blast for Misuse of Top Flyers Prospects at the World Junior Championship Do you think team Canada could have used Oliver Bonk and Jett Luchanko better as the 2025 World Junior Championship? | ||
Yes | 95 | 79.2 % |
No | 25 | 20.8 % |
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