The Philadelphia Flyers have inked Oliver Bonk to his Entry Level Contract (ELC) as he signs with the team. The news broke on a slow Monday in August and might have gone under the radar. Bonk will proudly play for the team that Bobby Clarke made famous in the 1970s. In case you are wondering, Bonk is the son of former 969 NHL games played centre, Radek Bonk.
OFFICIAL: We have signed defenseman @bonk_oliver to a three-year, entry-level contract. https://t.co/TjwpXJjQhH
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) August 21, 2023
What to Expect as Defenceman Oliver Bonk Signs his ELC
Oliver Bonk signs his ELC and wishes to make a name for himself. Despite the Czech heritage of his father, he was born in Ottawa, and suited up for Team Canada in the Hlinka-Gretzky U18 tourney. In 2022-23, he tallied 40 points in 67 games while playing for the London Knights of the OHL. Furthermore, he was solid in the post-season, adding 11 assists in 21 contests. Moreover, Bonk was a first-round selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, going 22nd overall. The Flyers are excited to have a player of his pedigree and talent, as they go through their rebuild.
Any Hints on What This Means for Daniel Briere and the Flyers?
This can only be good news for the Flyers. Bonk is great at reading the play and will help solidify the Flyers D core as they develop. It is tough to say where Bonk fits in the 2023-24 roster. He played in the Flyers rookie development camp this summer, but at 18, it will be difficult for him to be an impact NHL defenceman. Now, if he has a strong main camp, the sky is the limit, but there is no need to put any pressure on him. The Flyers added veterans like Marc Staal and Sean Walker in the off-season, to assist with their blueline depth. Bonk could find himself with an NHL tryout, and then back in junior, to help the Knights or another team win. Either way, there is no need to rush him, and signing him was a great idea.
Main Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
