You won't find a player who oozes Flyers' hockey more than Shane Vansaghi. He is an in-your-face type of player who will knock you on your backside and not think twice about it
When your draft pick draws a comparison to your new head coach, you know it was the perfect pick for the team. That's what happened when the Flyers took Vansaghi with one of their four second-round picks. The draft broadcast immediately called Vansaghi "another Rick Tocchet type of player."
As a freshman, Vansaghi's fearlessness in bullying opponents who are more physically mature is a sight to see. The Flyers, whether they admit it or not, are valuing size in the first two rounds of the draft. Vansaghi doesn't lack effort either, as he will grind it out to make a play that helps his team succeed. With the Flyers having multiple smaller, finesse forwards, adding in size to play around them and win the puck back is not a bad strategy.
The league as a whole hasn't shied away from size in this draft. Most players selected early on have been over 6ft. Fewer than 10 players have been under that in the first 90 picks. Florida showed how important players with a big, physical edge are to winning. The rest of the league is catching on.
Vansaghi's frame makes him the perfect power forward to disrupt plays and take away space in front of the net. Finding ways to use his body to the best of his ability allows him to create space for himself and his teammates. And that can lead to offensive production. The Flyers need to get better at causing chaos in front of the net, so Vansaghi's style is perfect for them.
And despite his large frame, Vansaghi can beat defenders and has the hands to make creative moves with the puck. With more time in college and a larger role, Vansaghi has the chance to fill out his skillset even more. And if he adds even more offense to his game, he could come a steal for the Flyers.
Here's what you're getting in Shane Vansaghi @NHLFlyers ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ipw3zCptKp
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) June 28, 2025
And he has a built-in connection with the Flyers already. Vansaghi spent a season with current Flyers' prospect Karsen Dorwart. In scouting and eventually signing Dorwart, Philadelphia got a first-hand look at Vansaghi. There's a good chance Dorwart was able to give them a report on his teammate.
The Flyers have recently dipped into the same well to draft multiple players from the same team. They did that with Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk. Other second round picks Carter Amico and Jack Murtagh have been teammates for years.