For Flyers, Peyton Krebs is a tempting pick if available at No. 11 in NHL draft

When describing Peyton Krebs, many scouts talk about how the puck “seems to follow him.”

The same comment was made two years ago about Nolan Patrick, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Flyers in 2017 and is still learning his way around the NHL as he tries to establish himself.

In other words, Krebs, an electric 5-foot-11, 181-pound center who could be one of the Flyers’ options when they select at No. 11 in the opening round of the June 21 draft, would not be a quick fix.

But he does have lots of potential, even if he did partially tear an Achilles tendon last week in an on-ice training session. Krebs underwent surgery Friday and is expected to be back early in the season.

Playing for a weak Kootenay team and serving as its captain, the speedy Krebs collected 19 goals and 68 points in 64 Western Hockey League games last season. A shifty skater with great puck skills, he has a knack for creating space for himself with his quickness and hockey IQ.

“He’s a high-character kid and a smart player,” said Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr, who heads the organization’s amateur scouting. “He plays a 200-foot game. He’s not the biggest body, but he’s got a great engine and he’s going to play” in the NHL someday.

Krebs impressed scouts with his performances in many of the physical-fitness tests at the recent scouting combine in Buffalo, where he finished tied for second with 15 pull-ups. He is also regarded as a leader and a great penalty killer.

Krebs, 18, was on Canada’s top line (with Dylan Cozens and Alex Newhook) in the Under-18 IIHF World Championship in April, putting up 10 points, including six goals, in seven games.

Before the injury, most mock drafts had Krebs being picked in the sixth-to-12th range of the first round, so some players would probably have to drop for him to be available to the Flyers at No. 11. His injury might affect when a team selects him.

Mike Morreale, a draft expert at NHL.com, thinks that Krebs will be available at 11 and that the Flyers will grab him. He called Krebs a player who “likes to use his speed and quickness to his advantage and also is tough to contain in one-on-one situations. Krebs is an elite two-way player who can excel as an offensive catalyst or in a shutdown role.”

Best-case comparison, said the Hockey News: Mathew Barzal, who has played two full seasons with the New York Islanders, compiling 85 and 62 points, respectively.

The publication ranks Krebs as the draft’s 11th-best player.