Jack Nesbitt was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers as the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft after trading up with the Pittsburgh Penguins, giving up picks 22 and 31.
Nesbitt, an 18-year-old center from the Windsor Spitfires (OHL), is a 6’5, 186-pound two-way forward known for his size, hockey sense, and gritty play. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 65 games, plus 10 points in 12 playoff games. His strengths include a strong 200-foot game, faceoff prowess (51.4% win rate), and effectiveness on the forecheck and Penalty Kill.
“I ike to play gritty. I’ll hit and I’ll fight if I have to,” Nesbitt said at Flyers’ Developmental Camp.
His skating speed is a noted weakness, raising concerns about his offensive ceiling, with some scouts projecting him as a middle-six center, potentially a 2C at his peak. The pick was polarizing among fans, seen as a reach by some due to his skating issues, but others value his size and two-way potential as a fit for the Flyers’ rebuild. He’s expected to return to Windsor for the 2025-26 OHL season.
For the 2024-25 OHL season with the Windsor Spitfires, Jack Nesbitt recorded the following stats:
- Regular Season: 65 games played, 25 goals, 39 assists, 64 points, 74 penalty minutes, +12 plus/minus, 6 power-play goals, 2 shorthanded goals, 4 game-winning goals, 185 shots on goal, 13.5% shooting percentage.
- Playoffs: 12 games played, 1 goal, 9 assists, 10 points, 30 penalty minutes, -5 plus/minus
Scouting Report:
Strengths: Nesbitt’s high hockey IQ and spatial awareness make him a standout two-way center. He’s reliable defensively, with an active stick, strong positioning, and a knack for intercepting passes. Offensively, he’s a smart playmaker with good vision and patience, often finding open teammates or getting lost in the offensive zone to create scoring chances. His 6-foot-4 frame suits a power-forward style, effective in corners, on the forecheck, and around the net. He’s strong in the faceoff circle (51.4% win rate) and versatile, contributing on both power play (6 goals) and penalty kill (2 shorthanded goals). His compete level and physicality make him a coaches’ favorite.
Weaknesses: Nesbitt’s skating lacks top-end speed, which could limit his offensive ceiling. While his scoring improved significantly, his finishing ability and overall offensive upside are debated, with some scouts projecting him as a bottom-six NHLer rather than a top-line star. His puck-handling fluidity needs refinement, and he could increase his physical impact as he fills out his frame.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
About Author
