According to the NHL Media site, the Philadelphia Flyers have added two notable prospects–goalie Sam Hillebrandt and forward Josh Zakreski–ahead of their Rookie Camp and upcoming Rookie Series against the New York Rangers.
A source confirmed to Philly Hockey Now that both players will attend Rookie Camp, and neither is currently under contract with the Flyers.
Zakreski, 18, has spent the last two seasons playing in the WHL on the Portland Winterhawks alongside fellow Flyers prospect Carter Sotheran, a defenseman drafted 135th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft.
The 5-foot-10 undrafted forward was in attendance at the Flyers’ annual development camp, which ran from July 2 through July 6, as an invitee. Zakreski is currently the only development camp invite returning for Flyers Rookie Camp next month.
Zakreski is coming off a strong second WHL season in which he scored a career-high 21 goals, 28 assists, and 49 points in 68 games for Portland whilst recording a plus-minus rating of plus-24.
Astute Flyers fans might recall that Hillebrandt, 19, was a member of Team USA’s 2024 World Junior Championship roster, slotting in as the third goalie behind top Montreal Canadiens prospect Jacob Fowler and highly-regarded Detroit Red Wings youngster Trey Augustine.
By extension, this also means that Hillebrandt was a teammate of former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier.
The Barrie Colts goaltender did play for Team USA in Gothenburg last winter, nor did he boast impressive numbers in the 2023-24 OHL regular season. Hillebrandt posted a 16-15-2 record in 36 games played, with his results being supported by a 3.67 GAA and a .899 save percentage.
There is more than meets the eye to Hillebrandt’s game, however, and both the Flyers and Team USA have recognized that. Although his Colts were eliminated in six games by the Oshawa Generals in the first round of the OHL playoffs, Hillebrandt’s performances in his five playoff appearances were world class.
All in all, the 19-year-old produced a postseason record of 2-2-1, a 2.48 GAA, and a save percentage of .938 that was buoyed by a 47-save shutout in Game 5. Hillebrandt also stopped 52 of 56 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4.
When the lights were the brightest, Hillebrandt turned his game up several notches.
If they impress at Flyers Rookie Camp and beyond, perhaps he and Zakreski can find new homes in the Flyers organization.
