Is Flyers Prospect Tanner Laczynski Ready For Pro Hockey Right Now?

ALLENTOWN - The Philadelphia Flyers have found themselves adding talent to their prospect pool by way of the NCAA in recent years, and the college products in the Flyers system might not be that far off from making an impact at the pro level.

The Flyers have already brought in 2013 seventh round pick - defenseman David Drake, formerly of the University of Connecticut - on an amateur tryout with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and might have another one of their prospects turn pro as soon as the NCAA's Frozen Four concludes.

Flying a bit under the radar in comparison to some of the Flyers' prospects playing junior hockey in Canada, Ohio State University forward Tanner Laczynski has taken a huge step forward in his sophomore season with the Buckeyes - making a Frozen Four appearance in this year's college hockey tournament while leading his team in scoring with 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) in 40 games this season.

Last weekend's Midwest Regional was no different for Laczynski in terms of his approach offensively. Especially in his team's opening game of the tournament against Princeton, Laczynski was a man on a mission - tallying a goal and an assist in a win over the Tigers and creating scoring chances at will.

"I'm happy with the game and how it went, but for now I'm more happy for the team here in the locker room and for us moving forward," Laczynski said prior to the Midwest Regional Final against the defending champions Denver.

For Laczynski, playing at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown, Pa might've given him a glimpse of his future. After all, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are a likely destination for the Ohio State standout when he does make the jump to the pro level.

"I thought it was awesome. The atmosphere, I liked the ice and everything about the rink," Laczynski said of his experience playing at the PPL Center. "Moving forward, this is a great spot and I'm happy to be a part of the organization."

Despite being the lone NHL draftee on his team, Laczynski and the Buckeyes manhandled the defending champions in the Midwest Regional Final last Sunday to get to the school's first Frozen Four appearance where they'll take on Minnesota-Deluth on April 5th.

"Any team can win. There's really no upset, per se. Anyone can win any game. It's just who's going to bring it and who's going to bring it for 60 minutes," Lacznyski said of the excitement of the tournament. "For our school and our program that was great to get a number one seed, but for the tournament sake no - I don't think the rankings mean much. Like I said, any team can win out of these 16 teams."

Laczynski was a near point-per-game player as a freshman, but returned for his second season at Ohio State a much more polished player.

"I think just stepping into a bigger role, more responsibilities. Coach put me in better positions this year," Laczynski attributed his growth as a player this season. "I think just having a year under my belt and being more confident with my game and being able to mature more - physically and on the ice - I think it's been a big help. Like I said, just that confidence."

So when will Laczynski turn pro? That remains to be seen, but perhaps a little more telling was his response to being asked about the Flyers organization and what talks have been like between them as of late.

"They're just kind of telling me to worry about the season, and figure the rest out after."

"They just want me to play for Ohio State right now, and that's what I'm going to do," Laczynski told Inside AHL Hockey last weekend. "I'm not too worried about moving forward right now, I'm just playing here and playing with these guys in the locker room. Ohio State for the remainder of the season, so.."

That last little bit might lead us to believe it will be sooner rather than later that Laczynski will be in the pro ranks.