from Sam Carchidi of PhillyNews,

Some believe the Flyers should think small with their first pick in the NHL draft.

As in 5-foot-7 right winger Cole Caufield — if he is still on the board when the Flyers make their first selection, at No. 11, on June 21.

Center Jack Hughes got most of the headlines for the U.S. National Development Team, and he is expected to be the first player chosen overall. But Caufield, his diminutive teammate (and frequent linemate), had eye-opening numbers of his own. Hughes led the junior team with 48 points in 24 games; Caufield scored a team-high 29 goals in 28 games.

A University of Wisconsin recruit, Caufield, 18, has a quick release, and scouts say his hockey IQ is off the charts. They say he has good speed, but needs to get faster to compete at the next level.

Will he still be around when the Flyers make their first pick? Well, the draft lottery didn’t help, as the Flyers actually dropped a spot, from No. 10 to No. 11. In reputable mock drafts, Caufield has been as high as No. 7 and as low as No. 30.

“He’s a pure scorer. He’s smart. He’s competitive. He’s quick,” Flyers draft guru/assistant general manager Brent Flahr said.

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Elite Prospects has more on Caufield and below watch a recent highlight pacage.