Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2023 Flyers Draft Class: Oliver Bonk

Originally posted on Philly Sports Network
By By Regina Ham | Last updated 6/30/23

It was a honky-tonk good time for the Philadelphia Flyers after the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, TN. To say that they had a good opening round would be an understatement. In the first NHL Draft under the guidance of Daniel Briere, the Flyers came out swinging.

The Flyers possessed two picks in the first round. At seventh overall, the ‘x-factor’ prospect, Matvei Michkov, sent Philadelphia into a frenzy. It confirmed that Briere could be trusted to make refreshing choices for the franchise’s progression.

Then, with the 22nd overall selection in the first round, the Flyers chose Oliver Bonk from the London Knights in the OHL.

WELCOME TO PHILLY!

With the 22nd pick in the 2023 #NHLDraft, we are proud to select Oliver Bonk. pic.twitter.com/xgZ0Z2svf3
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 29, 2023

Oliver is a legacy selection: the son of Radek Bonk, who spent 14 seasons in the NHL with teams including the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Nashville Predators. According to NHL Central Scouting, Oliver was the 20th-ranked North American prospect.

“He’s [Radek Bonk] had a huge influence. I’m here because of him; thanks to him. He coached me all the way, growing up. A lot of life lessons from him. He had a big effect on me.”
Oliver Bonk; 6/29/2023

Bonk is the defenseman the Flyers need in their system.

He is a confident defenseman with the puck, able to make crisp passes in transition on offense. However, Bonk prioritizes defense first. His offensive prowess isn’t what pops, but he does possess a strong, low shot from the blue line. Additionally, he is a good skater, using his stick and positioning to compensate for speed.

In the 2021 OHL Draft, Bonk was a second-round selection by the Knights, playing ten games as a true rookie. In 2022-2023, he totaled 40 points (10G, 30A) in 67 games. At 22nd overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, he was one of the best blueline options on the board.

Standing at 6’2″ and 180lbs, Bonk will fill out his frame but already has the size to win puck battles. In the OHL, Bonk developed on the penalty kill. He is a two-way defenseman that John Tortorella could learn to rely on the ice for 25 or more minutes, a workhorse potential when eventually recalled to the Flyers. Bonk is a right-handed shot who doesn’t often overcommit defensively. He can grind at opponents, which will help him become an effective top-four defenseman.

Keith Jones noted the Flyers needed to prioritize the defense. Investing in Bonk shows the commitment to helping goaltending by playing hard, shutdown defense.

“I’ve never been to Philadelphia, actually. It’s going to be a cool going there for the first time. The Flyers, I know they work extremely hard. They got their workboots on. Definitely a good team to go to.”
Oliver Bonk; 6/29/2023

As of now, Bonk is on Broad Street.

This article first appeared on Philly Sports Network and was syndicated with permission.

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