Sokolovskii brings blue-collar style to Flyers

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Maksim Sokolovskii joined the latest list of London Knights to hear his name called on the opening night of the NHL Entry Draft, continuing one of junior hockey’s longest-running streaks.

Sokolovskii helped extend London’s remarkable streak to 58 consecutive years with at least one player selected. The towering defenceman, who stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 240 pounds, was taken 27th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

After hearing his name called, Sokolovskii credited the Knights organization for helping him develop into one of the top defensive prospects in a draft laden with talented blueliners.

"They had a lot of influence in his life and his career as well, said Sokolovskii, who was born in Petropavl, Kazakhstan, through a translator. “They really helped him."

Sokolovskii, who has drawn comparisons to Nikita Zadorov, was the eighth of 10 blueliners selected in the first round.

Sokolovskii had two goals and six assists, adding 49 penalty minutes, and finishing with a plus-10 rating in 44 games this season.

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Sokolovskii believes his style of play is a perfect fit for Philadelphia.

"I already saw they love big guys, tough guys, and I'll do everything for fans and for the team."

Sokolovskii now joins an organization known for valuing physical, competitive players on the blue line.

Once he makes the jumps into the lineup, Sokolovskii's approach to the game is sure to make him a favourite.

Before that, the blue-chip defender is expected to be back in London and then join the University of Maine, where he is committed for the 2027-28 season.