The Draft That Changed Everything For the Flyers

Heading into a draft where the Flyers were potentially going to get the #1 pick overall and change their franchise forever (If we knew what we know now). The League had other ideas though.

The draft order of the first 14 picks was determined by a lottery involving the non-playoff teams on April 10. Under the weighted lottery system, the club with the fewest regular-season points had the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and could pick no lower than second at the 2007 Entry Draft. The winner of the drawing would move up a maximum of four places, with all other clubs' draft order being adjusted accordingly

The Chicago Blackhawks, originally slated to draft in fifth place, won the lottery and as a result had the first overall pick in the draft. The Flyers would draft at number 2.

The Blackhawks would go on to select Patrick Kane and the Flyer Selecting James Van Riemsdyk. This being the first time American born players would go back-to-back.


Now, let's think here, how different would things of been if the Flyers would have drafted Patrick Kane? Flyers would have received a hall of fame player and potentially a Stanley Cup, maybe even multiple. How different would things of been?

12 years ago today:

Patrick Kane hit the game-winning goal in OT vs. the Flyers to win the Stanley Cup

(via @ChiSportsDay) pic.twitter.com/sjO1tCp21E— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) June 9, 2022

Keep in mind, Patrick Kane scored the game-winning goal against the Flyers in Game 6 to win their first Stanley cup.