The 2025 NHL Draft is here. Fans from all over the hockey universe are getting set to hear which players their favorite teams will select. Philadelphia Flyers fans will especially be tuned into the broadcast on Friday night.
The Flyers hold the sixth-overall pick and look poised to take a transformational player. But amid the hoopla surrounding the draft, one twist could break Flyers fans: Trading the sixth overall pick.
Flyers fans could forgive GM Daniel Briere for trading the pick if it meant getting back a high-profile player. But what if the pick doesn’t yield such a player? What if the pick resulted in the Flyers trading down while recouping from not-so-sexy names?
For instance, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens both have two first-round picks. What if the Flyers traded down for one of those picks? Unless the Flyers got Sidney Crosby, trading down would be seen as a betrayal.
Some mock drafts have the Flyers picking James Hagens at No. 6. Tankathon projects Anton Frondell and Caleb Desnoyers going ahead of Hagens. Meanwhile, The Athletic has the Flyers picking Jake O’Brien.
Either center would be a fantastic pick for the Flyers. The team needs as much center depth as possible, even after acquiring Trevor Zegras from the Ducks.
It’s worth noting that anything can happen on draft night. Teams could be compelled to make a big splash and pull the trigger on a massive deal. But unless the Flyers can land someone significant, trading the sixth overall pick would break plenty of hearts.
Flyers face tough decision with #6 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
The Flyers are in a tough spot in the 2025 NHL Draft. The sixth overall pick is high enough to where a generational talent could be headed to Philly. On the other hand, it’s low enough to where the best of the draft class could be gone.
The consensus is that the New York Islanders will select Matthew Schaefer at No. 1 and the San Jose Sharks will take Michael Misa at No. 2. There’s a chance the Isles and Sharks could switch. The Isles could take Misa and the Sharks Schaefer.
But that’s beside the point.
Things get interesting at No. 3 with the Chicago Blackhawks. First, the Blackhawks have been rumored to take Anton Frondell, the top European skater in the 2025 NHL Draft. There’s also the possibility that the Blackhawks trade this pick, as has been rumored.
Then, the Utah Mammoth are rumored to have Caleb Desnoyers in their sights. Tankathon shows Desnoyers, while The Athletic has the Mammoth taking Brady Martin. The Mammoth are also rumored to be shopping their pick. So, it remains to be seen if anything happens there.
At No. 5, the Nashville Predators could take Desnoyers or winger Porter Martone. If Hagens is still around, Nashville could be compelled to use their pick on him. That’s something that remains to be seen, as well.
So, that brings us to Philly. One has to wonder if Philly would pass on Hagens if he’s still available. The Athletic has Hagens falling to No. 8 and the Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile, Tankathon has Philly taking Hagens at No. 6.
In both instances, the Flyers will be looking to take a center. It’s doubtful the Flyers pick a player like Porter Martone, even if he projects as a power forward. Unless the Flyers can secure a young center who projects as a solid top-six choice, Philly fans can expect the Flyers to take a center with their first-round pick on Friday night.