When the Philadelphia Flyers first drafted Samuel Morin with the eleventh overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, most fans' first reaction was "Who the heck is that!?"

Morin almost immediately drew similarities to Chris Pronger, mostly because of his size and "edgy" style of play and lanky frame. Still, at the time, Morin was still considered a very raw prospect and years away from being ready for the big league. 

Fast forward to this past summer. Morin has put on another 20 lbs. of muscle and now clocks in at 6' 7, 224 lbs. He's made it clear he intends on making the roster, even telling TVA Sports back in July he "wants a place on the team".

While highly-touted prospect Scott Laughton is considered the favorite to make the Flyers roster this season, there is no guarantee that will happen. The Flyers are already quite thin on the blue line with the loss of Kimmo Timonen. The addition of Michael Del-Zotto helps, but if he doesn't work out, the Flyers could be in big trouble.

Philadelphia's biggest "need" right now is obviously defense. The Flyers have never been able to replace the nasty, unrelenting play of Pronger, but Sam Morin could bring that back into the line-up.

Morin showed just how "nasty" he can be in Tuesday's annual Flyers-Capitals scrimmage, fighting (and winning) against Washington Capitals' forward Liam O’Brien. Morin later stuck up for teammate Petr Straka, delivering a bone-crushing hit to forward Kevin Elgestal after Elgestal got a solid hit in on Straka.

Straka later told NJ.com "Morin’s retaliation crosschecks were so hard that he felt them."

While Laughton may make Philadelphia's opening night roster, it won't be for lack of trying or talent for young Sam Morin. He's doing everything in his power to turn some heads, and he's done just that. Even if Morin does not make the cut and is sent back to juniors, it is likely he will at least be with the Phantoms within the next season or two.

One thing is certain - the future is bright for the Philadelphia Flyers.

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About the author
Mike Pantaleone
Journeyman writer/blogger. Philadelphia Flyers Contributor. Owner/Editor of Broken Bell Sports, a Philadelphia sports blog.