Carter Sotheran

June 2023 – Sotheran was selected 135th overall by the Flyers. Pat Quinn

June 2023 – Sotheran has a special skillset, which was difficult to fully grasp from a scouting perspective. Although he is a big body and can get involved defensively, his primary asset is how good he is in transition. This barely shows on the scoresheet, however, as his 23 points in 68 games for the Portland Winterhawks this past season don’t jump off the page.

Sotheran is exceptionally good at drawing pressure in and making plays through it. He has a very high threshold for panic, which allows him to keep a cool head in the midst of an opposing forecheck and find the right passing lane to diffuse that pressure and contribute to clean breakouts. He has a unique combination of size, intelligence and composure, while showing a growing habit of hopping into rushes and activating from deep within the neutral zone. These remain flashes, however, and a lack of developed offensive skill still limits his game, but as a third or fourth round option, Sotheran is a solid bet. Hadi Kalakeche