With the NHL Combine complete, we can get a better sense of which prospects teams are targeting. It's not foolproof, as some teams will talk to nearly every player, or some will only talk to a few. A player that a team doesn't talk to could end up speaking with them closer to the draft. While it's not an absolute, it is still useful in determing players who have a chance to be taken.
Along with their top-10 pick, the Flyers have two late-round picks in the first round. Philadelphia holds the 22nd pick courtesy of the Avalanche from the Sean Walker deal. They will also receive either the 31st or 32nd pick from the Oilers after a draft trade last year.
It's still uncertain if Danny Briere will make all three picks in the first round. The latter two could be used in a package to move up in the draft if there's a player they love still available. But if they do end up keeping those picks, there are a few players they could target.
Cole Reschny
Reschny has a chance to be the first player from the Victoria Royals to be drafted in the first round. Only 14 players have been drafted from the WHL team, with only one who has made it to the NHL thus far. Not only does Reschny have a chance to be a first round pick, he also could become the most successful.
He led the Royals in assists (66) and points (92) in 62 games. Reschny also added nine goals and 25 points in the playoffs. Only Gavin McKenna produced more in the postseason. He shined for Canada at the U18s, posting five goals and eight points in five games. He was named a top player for Canada, helping them earn the gold medal.
Reschny isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas to make a goal happen despite his smaller frame. He's a quintessential playmaker who makes his linemates better. He was heavily relied on by the Royals as a 16-year-old and 17-year-old. Reschny is committed to the University of North Dakota, where he should get top-six minutes.
Shane Vansaghi
Vansaghi played this past season on a stacked Western Michigan roster. Still, the freshman had a rather successful year, mainly on the team's third line. He's more than just a grinder, showing off some offensive skill. Vansaghi posted six goals and 16 points in 37 games. Though he isn't afraid to play an in-your-face type of game as well.
It's been tough for him to show off his true potential playing low in Michigan's lineup, but he should have a chance to do so as time goes on. He already possesses the skills of an energy-type player and boasts the body of one too, standing at 6'2" and weighing 216 lbs. Attending one of the best schools in the nation, Vansaghi is in the perfect place to continue developing.
While he hasn't lit the world on fire with his offense, Vansaghi found a way to be productive during the year. He is always moving on the ice, finding ways to get open for his teammates or giving them lanes. He got more productive as the season wore on. Again, more development at the NCAA level should help him.
Joshua Ravensbergen
It's not often that a goaltender is chosen in the first round, but it has been done. The last time that happened was in 2021 when Sebastian Cossa and Jesper Wallstedt were taken five picks apart. Ravensbergen has made his case to be the first since then, ranked as the top North American goaltender.
Ravensbergen found himself undrafted in the WHL, being picked up by the Prince George Cougars. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best goaltenders in the league. His impressive 2023-24 postseason firmly enshrined him as the Cougars' top goaltender. He posted a 1.98 goals against average and a .931 save percentage. His numbers dipped a bit this season, though he appeared in 13 more games (51 total) and still posted an above .900 save percentage.
He has the size, coming in at 6'5", moves quickly post-to-post, and is smart in his reads. He doesn't need to be flashy in the net as he often finds himself in the right position. The potential and upside are there. It's a matter of it being a team, like the Flyers, that wants to spend a first-round pick on him.