The Philadelphia Flyers are heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft armed with a substantial collection of early picks, a situation that has fans and analysts buzzing about the team's future. After a disappointing 2024-25 season that saw them finish near the bottom of the league and miss the playoffs for the fifth straight year, the Flyers are looking to accelerate their rebuild through the draft. General Manager Danny Briere has emphasized a shift from subtracting to adding to the roster, and these picks represent a significant opportunity to inject high-end talent into the organization.
Currently, the Flyers possess three first-round picks: their own at No. 6 overall, a pick acquired from the Colorado Avalanche (No. 22 overall) in the Sean Walker trade, and another from the Edmonton Oilers (No. 31 overall), finalized after the Panthers' Stanley Cup win. Furthermore, they have four picks in the second round, giving them a total of seven selections within the top 48. This puts them in a prime position to significantly bolster their prospect pool.
The Flyers' management has indicated that they are unlikely to trade up from the No. 6 spot, expressing confidence in the players available at that position. Potential targets at No. 6 include highly-rated prospects like Michael Misa, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, and James Hagens. While there's always the chance of surprises, these names are consistently mentioned as potential top-10 selections. The Flyers' historical record shows they've drafted 6th overall three times before, selecting Peter Forsberg (1991), Behn Wilson (1978), and Bob Currier (1969).
With their other first-round picks, the Flyers have flexibility. They could target specific positions of need, such as center or defense, or simply select the best players available. The second round offers further opportunities to add depth and address organizational weaknesses. Given the Flyers' existing prospect pool, which includes players like Matvei Michkov, Cutter Gauthier, and Oliver Bonk, they can afford to be strategic in their selections.
The abundance of picks also gives Briere the option to trade some of them for young, NHL-ready talent. Center depth is an area where the Flyers are noticeably lacking, making it a potential target for trade acquisitions. This approach could help expedite the rebuild by bringing in players who can contribute immediately, complementing the development of their younger prospects. The recent acquisition of Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for Ryan Poehling, a 2025 second-rounder, and a 2026 fourth-rounder, demonstrates this strategy in action.
The Flyers' rebuild has been ongoing for a few years, with the organization focusing on internal player development and establishing a strong culture. Head Coach John Tortorella was a key figure in the initial phase, and the team recently hired Rick Tocchet to lead the team. The influx of new talent from the 2025 draft, combined with the emergence of existing prospects, could see the Flyers accelerate their timeline. While a playoff berth in 2025-26 may still be a long shot, the team is positioning itself to become a contender in the coming years.
Ultimately, the success of the Flyers' 2025 draft will depend on their ability to identify and develop the right players. With a combination of high-end picks and strategic decision-making, the Flyers have a significant opportunity to transform their roster and move closer to their goal of consistent Stanley Cup contention.
