The Philadelphia Flyers are preparing for a critical moment in their rebuild as they approach the 2025 NHL Draft with the No. 6 overall pick. Barring a major trade offer, team president Keith Jones and general manager Daniel Brière seem set on staying put, eyeing a top center to strengthen their roster. With several highly ranked forwards available, the Flyers believe they’re in a strong position to add a key building block for their future.
Flyers Positioned Well in Deep Draft
Despite sliding down two spots in the draft lottery, from No. 4 to No. 6, the Flyers remain optimistic. According to Jones, the talent pool from the second through the eighth or ninth spots is tightly packed in terms of skill. That gives the Flyers confidence they will still land a high-caliber player, even if the most obvious top picks like defenseman Matthew Schaefer or winger Porter Martone are off the board early.
Jones called the Flyers’ position “a good spot,” noting that they’re still within reach of several elite players. The team is looking for players who can energize the rebuild and potentially become future leaders on and off the ice.
Center is the Priority
With the organization’s biggest need being a top-line center, Brière has hinted heavily at drafting one. The Flyers have options, with experts listing Michael Misa, James Hagens, Jake O’Brien, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers as the top five centers in this draft class. While Misa is projected to go at No. 2, it’s not guaranteed. With a couple of other top talents like Schaefer and Jackson Smith also expected to go early, the Flyers may have a chance to grab one of these top centers.
There are also other promising center prospects, such as Roger McQueen and Brady Martin, who might be available in the top 10, further widening Philadelphia’s options.
More Than One Shot at Talent
In addition to the No. 6 pick, the Flyers hold two more selections in the first round – one at No. 22 and another to be determined depending on the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff finish. They also have four picks in the second round, giving them flexibility to draft for both quality and depth or make trades to address immediate needs.
Jones has hinted that while the team is focused on developing a strong core through the draft, they’re open to using picks or prospects as trade assets when the time is right. This dual strategy keeps the Flyers adaptable as they shape the next phase of their rebuild.
Looking Back and Ahead
Philadelphia has selected sixth overall three times before. The results have ranged from disappointing (Bob Currier in 1969), to solid (Behn Wilson in 1978), to franchise-altering (Peter Forsberg in 1991, later traded for Eric Lindros). The Flyers will be hoping their 2025 pick falls into the latter category – someone who can make a major impact in the years to come.
With a strong draft class and multiple picks, the Flyers are positioned to make a major leap forward. The choice they make at No. 6 could define the team’s future, especially if it’s a center who becomes a foundational piece for years to come.
As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, the Philadelphia Flyers are standing firm with their No. 6 pick, ready to secure a top-tier center. The team’s focus on building for the future is clear, and with several talented players in their range, they are poised to take another step forward in their long-term rebuild. Whether it’s Michael Misa or another standout forward, the draft promises to be a pivotal moment for the franchise’s direction and success in the coming years.
