Flyers Seek Size, Skill at 2025 NHL Draft Amid Islander Trade Moves

The Philadelphia Flyers are actively preparing for the 2025 NHL Draft with a focus on addressing key roster needs, including size and center depth. They have engaged with promising prospects like James Hagens and Porter Martone, targeting players who combine skill with physical presence, which the Flyers currently lack. The New York Islanders are expected to select Matthew Schaefer first overall and are interested in hometown talent James Hagens, potentially creating trade opportunities involving roster players like Mathew Barzal or Simon Holmstrom. Flyers management is aware of their needs but plans to prioritize the best available player at their sixth overall pick. Analysts highlight a trend of talented smaller players who might be undervalued due to their stature but offer high-level skills, presenting potential home-run picks for the Flyers. Additionally, the Flyers could pursue bigger, more physical players like Prokhorov to fill size gaps, especially in the first two rounds of the draft.