Philadelphia Flyers Sign 2023 First-Round Pick

The Philadelphia Flyers have gotten some business done today, signing one of their first-round picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, Oliver 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

It's a three-year, entry-level contract for the 18-year-old defenseman who was the 22nd overall pick in this June's draft. Russian wunderkind Matvei Michkov was Philly's first selection, at No. 7 overall; he is still unsigned.

Bonk impressed at the team's Development Camp in July after coming off a 40-point season (10 goals and 30 assists) in 67 games for the London Knights of the OHL. 

The right-shot D still has some development to do, however, and likely won't be a factor on the Flyers' blueline just yet. 

Bonk is signed to his ELC, but I'd expect him to still spend the next two seasons in the OHL. Flyers aren't going to rush him to the NHL. https://t.co/SEdIwUglIU

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) August 21, 2023

Per Flyers beat reporter Charlie O'Connor of The Athletic, it's likely that Bonk will spend another two seasons with London in junior. If so, his ELC can be pushed so that he remains signed with the team through the 2027-28 campaign. 

Bonk's NHL lineage is strong, as his father, Radek Bonk, played 14 years in the league, recording 497 points in 969 games.  

Photo: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports