For those undrafted players invited to training camps, it may be their only chance to impress the NHL brass and put themselves on the map for a professional contract. That’s exactly what Yegor Zamula has done, earning himself a three-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. The undrafted defenseman will play for the Calgary Hitmen this season, but is now part of an NHL organization for the next few years.
If there ever was a prime example of a young player who needs to mature physically, Zamula is it. The 6’3″ defenseman is still rail thin and weighed in at just 160 lbs for the Flyers, but showed enough poise with the puck and raw talent to earn a contract. While he’ll likely never be a big, bruising player the 18-year old Russian soared up draft rankings after a mid-season trade from the Regina Pats. Ending up at 64th among all North American skaters according to the final ranking from NHL’s Central Scouting, it was a surprise when he was passed over entirely in the draft process.
Defense is one thing the Flyers could use right now, good move by the Flyers.
Like getting the number 1 pick in the eighth round.