Danny Brière, the Flyers’ General Manager, held a pre-draft press conference on June 17, 2025, alongside Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr.
The pair discussed the team’s strategy for the 2025 NHL Draft, where the Flyers hold 11 picks, including three first-rounders and four second-rounders, with the sixth overall pick being a focal point, “There’s definitely a lot of freedom;” Briere said. “it’s a lot of ammo to try to do different things and not necessarily move up or down, but it could be acquiring for the future. There are just a lot of possibilities.”
Brière expressed confidence in the draft’s depth, noting that despite initially being disappointed about dropping to the sixth pick, he now feels good about the talent available after extensive scouting, “What I remember from the last couple of years, it really starts to pick up the week of the draft,” Briere says. “So I expect Monday and Tuesday to start kicking into high gear, as far as, the trade swaps for the draft.”
He emphasized a “Best player available” approach for the top pick but acknowledged the team’s need to solidify the center position, while not forcing positional picks early. Brière also highlighted the team’s flexibility with their multiple picks, suggesting they could either keep them to build around promising prospects or explore trades to address roster needs, though he stressed any moves must align with the rebuild’s long-term vision.
“There’s a few Defensemen, Wingers, different options there. We are obviously well aware of our own needs. There are some players, especially at number six,” Briere says. This was One of the best things that came out of this press conference. The Flyers have a need for sizable Defensemen, especially with the lack of size on the blueline in Jamie Drysdale, Emil Andrae, and Cam York, specifically. It’s good to hear that the front office feels the same way as the fans sentiments.
With that being said, the Flyers expect to make all seven picks within the first two rounds of the draft, so I expect the Flyers to take a few defensemen within those first seven selections. It shall be noted, the Flyers have not drafted an All-Star defensemen since the late 1970’s.
One thing that Briere does well is keep his Poker Face, and with him saying that the Flyers are expected to make all seven selections, to me that sounds like he is using these picks as leverages for upcoming trades.
The decentralized draft format was noted as a challenge, but Brière saw advantages in the privacy it offers for team discussions, especially with having seven picks within the first two rounds. Briere did say if they have to make all seven picks they will, and will plan to do so.
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