JUST IN: Evaluating the Flyers’ 2025 NHL Draft The Flyers wrapped up their 2025…

The Philadelphia Flyers have officially concluded the 2025 NHL Draft, and the front office wasted no time addressing key organizational needs while taking a few calculated risks along the way. With a focus on rebuilding and fortifying their prospect pipeline, the Flyers made a total of seven selections over two days, targeting both skill and upside at various positions.

First-Round Focus: A High-Ceiling Defenseman

With their first-round pick at 11th overall, the Flyers selected Lukas Mikkola, a smooth-skating Finnish defenseman from Tappara of Liiga. At 6-foot-2 and praised for his two-way game, Mikkola has drawn comparisons to current NHL blueliners like Miro Heiskanen. Scouts see him as a potential top-pair defenseman with the vision and puck-moving ability to anchor the power play in the future.

GM Daniel Brière emphasized the organization’s long-term view:

“We wanted a player who could be a pillar on the back end for years to come. Mikkola has the tools, and we believe in our development system to help him reach that next level.”

Mid-Round Gems?

In the second and third rounds, the Flyers opted for upside and character. They snagged Colby Hartman, a gritty center from the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, and Jonas Petrov, a Russian winger with elite hands and a quick release.

Petrov, in particular, is a bit of a gamble due to the uncertainty of Russian players’ availability, but his offensive instincts and highlight-reel goals in the MHL made him a standout pick.

Later-Round Depth and Sleeper Picks

On Day 2, Philadelphia turned their attention to depth and potential sleepers. They picked up:

• Jake Fenton (4th round) – A reliable two-way forward from the USHL with leadership qualities.
• Tyler Wu (5th round) – A mobile right-shot defenseman out of the BCHL, known for his skating and IQ.
• Emil Strömberg (6th round) – A towering Swedish goalie who posted a .918 save percentage this season.
• Ryan McGrath (7th round) – A local prospect from the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers program, described as a “high-motor, high-effort” winger.

Draft Grade: B+

While it’s always difficult to judge a draft immediately, the Flyers appeared to strike a balance between safe picks and high-upside prospects. Their emphasis on defensive structure and future leadership was evident, and Lukas Mikkola could become the franchise cornerstone they’ve been seeking since the departure of key veterans.

Now, the real work begins—developing these prospects into NHL contributors. With solid scouting and a patient approach, this draft could end up being a turning point in the Flyers’ ongoing rebuild.