Ed Mulholland -USA TODAY Sports
With three games left in the dismal 2012-13 season, the Philadelphia Flyers called a number of prospects up from their farm team, the Adirondack Phantoms. Among the group were a few familiar faces, including Tye McGinn and Scott Laughton, along with one new one face, Jason Akeson.
Akeson ended up playing in one game against the Ottawa Senators, notching his first career goal, in his first career game, on his first shot. That’s quite the start to an NHL career. Given his previous history, his immediate success should come as no surprise.
In the 2010-11 OHL season, Akeson scored the most points of any player, tallying 108 points (24 goals and 84 assists) in 67 games. This outstanding season led to the Flyers signing Akeson to a three-year, entry level contract on Mar. 2, 2011. He was bumped up to the AHL, leading the Phantoms in scoring the last two seasons. He tallied 55 points in the 2011-12 season, and 53 in the 2012-13 season, despite playing 14 games in the ECHL. That’s awfully good for a 5-foot-10 right-winger who went undrafted in the NHL draft.
Akeson uses his small size to his benefit, keeping the puck close to his body, making it difficult for opposing players to knock the puck away. As shown by his OHL numbers, Akeson is a playmaker, racking up an incredible amount of assists. This doesn’t mean his shot is weak , but his pass is simply stronger.
Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Zac Rinaldo and Matt Read currently compose the Flyers’ core of right-wingers. It’s unlikely that Akeson will earn a starting spot come October, but he’d be a great replacement if needed. At 23 years old, Akeson is still a young prospect, and one that has a promising career in the orange and black.
Andrew Fitzgerald is a Philadelphia Flyers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @awfitz. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
