Jack Nesbitt had a solid showing at the Flyers’ 2025 Development Camp and scrimmage!!! He netted two goals, including the overtime winner for Team Briere, helping them come back from a 3-0 deficit to beat Team Jones 4-3.
His performance showcased his size (6’4, 186 lbs), hockey IQ, and knack for clutch plays, though his skating needs work. Observers, including Flyers staff, praised his competitiveness and potential, with some drawing comparisons to Sean Couturier for his two-way game.
Player Profile:
- Position: Center
- Height/Weight: 6’4, 185 lbs
- Shoots: Left
- Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
- Birthdate: January 12, 2007
- Hometown: Sarnia, ON, Canada
- Drafted: 12th overall by the Flyers
Nesbitt is a prototypical power-forward center with a rare combination of size, physicality, and developing offensive skills, making him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft. His breakout season with the Windsor Spitfires in 2024-25, where he significantly improved his production, elevated his draft stock from a mid-round projection to a first-round pick. Nesbitt’s game is built on a strong two-way presence, high hockey IQ, and a willingness to engage in the “dirty areas” of the ice, though his skating remains a point of concern for some.
Strengths:
- Size and Physicality: At 6’4, Nesbitt uses his frame effectively to shield the puck, dominate board battles, and create havoc in front of the net. His physical presence makes him a challenging matchup, particularly on the forecheck and cycle game.
- Hockey IQ: Nesbitt’s spatial awareness and decision-making stand out. He reads plays well, positions himself effectively in all zones, and anticipates passing lanes to create turnovers or set up teammates.
- Two-Way Game: A reliable 200-foot player, Nesbitt excels defensively with an active stick, smart positioning, and a commitment to backchecking. His faceoff prowess (51.4%) adds value in all situations.
- Net-Front Presence: Nesbitt’s elite hand-eye coordination makes him a dangerous net-front option on the power play, where he scores via deflections and rebounds. His quick hands allow him to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
- Compete Level: Known for his relentless work ethic, Nesbitt plays with grit and doesn’t shy away from physical confrontations, even fighting to defend teammates.
- Playmaking: While not a flashy passer, Nesbitt consistently finds open teammates with accurate, tape-to-tape passes, particularly on odd-man rushes or stretch plays.
Areas for Improvement:
- Skating: Nesbitt’s skating is a noted weakness, with concerns about his top-end speed and first-step explosiveness. While his skating has improved (he recorded quick times at the OHL Top Prospects Game), his heavy stride and lack of agility can limit his ability to separate from NHL-caliber defensemen or make plays through the neutral zone with pace. This is a critical area for development, though his size and hockey IQ help mitigate this issue.
- Offensive Upside: While Nesbitt’s production improved, his 64 points in 65 OHL games is modest compared to other top prospects, raising questions about his offensive ceiling. His shot, while powerful and deceptive, lacks elite mechanics or velocity, and he struggles with consistency in high-skill plays under pressure. Some scouts see him as a middle-six forward rather than a top-six center due to limited creativity.
- Physical Consistency: Despite his size, Nesbitt doesn’t always maximize his physicality. He’s not a “wrecking ball” and could embrace a more aggressive, bullying style to become a more dominant force. Adding muscle to his lanky frame will help him win battles against stronger professional opponents.
- Puckhandling and Playmaking: Nesbitt’s puckhandling is good but not elite, and plays can die on his stick in the neutral or offensive zones. His playmaking is effective but lacks the finesse of top-tier passers, limiting his ability to create in high-traffic areas.
All in all, Nesbitt is a high-floor, high-upside prospect whose size, smarts, and compete level make him a safe bet to reach the NHL, likely as a middle-six center. His skating and offensive ceiling are question marks, but his work ethic and development environment suggest he can address these weaknesses. For the Flyers, Nesbitt represents a calculated gamble on a rare profile—a 6’4 two-way center with grit and skill—capable of becoming a cornerstone in their rebuild if he reaches his potential.
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