Both James Hagens and Porter Martone are widely regarded as excellent fits for the Flyers, particularly with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Here’s a breakdown of why, and who the Flyers should take if both are available when it’s time for them to make their selection.
Why Hagens Fits with the Flyers:
- Positional Need: The Flyers have a critical need for a top-line Center to anchor their rebuild. Hagens, a dynamic playmaking Center from Boston College, fills this gap perfectly. His elite vision, passing, and hockey IQ make him a potential number one Center, which aligns with the Flyers’ strategy to build around a strong center core to complement their young star, Matvei Michkov.
- Synergy with Michkov: Hagens’ playmaking ability, highlighted by a 72.5% pass completion rate in the offensive zone and his knack for setting up high-danger scoring chances, would mesh beautifully with Michkov’s elite goal-scoring and finishing ability. Analysts see this pairing as a potential “dynamic duo” that could form a potent top line for years, accelerating the Flyers’ rebuild.
- Elite Skill Set: Hagens is known for his effortless skating, high-end playmaking, and ability to control the game. His performance at the 2024 U18 World Championship (record-breaking 22 points in seven games) and the 2025 World Juniors (9 points in 7 games) shows he thrives under pressure. Despite a “good-not-great” freshman season at Boston College (37 points in 37 games), he maintained a point-per-game pace as an 18-year-old in the tough Hockey East conference, demonstrating his high-end potential.
- Comparisons to NHL Stars: Scouts compare Hagens to players like Jack Hughes (for his creativity and agility) and Matt Duchene (for his playmaking and second-line center upside). His ability to make teammates better, combined with his two-way play, makes him a versatile fit for the Flyers’ system.
- Local Appeal and Enthusiasm: Hagens, born in Hauppauge, NY, grew up a New York Islanders fan but has spoken highly of Philadelphia as a “great sports city” and expressed excitement about playing with Michkov and admiration for former Flyer Claude Giroux. His familiarity with the Flyers’ culture and fanbase could make him a fan favorite.
Concerns and Challenges:
- Size and Physicality: At 5’10.5” and 176 pounds, Hagens is considered undersized, raising concerns about his ability to handle the NHL’s physicality, especially in board battles. He’ll need to add strength to compete against bigger opponents, though his skating and agility help mitigate this.
- Draft Availability: Hagens was once projected as a top-2 pick but has slipped to the 3-5 range due to a less explosive freshman season compared to expectations. Teams like San Jose (No. 2), Chicago (No. 3), Utah (No. 4), or Nashville (No. 5) could select him before the Flyers’ No. 6 pick. The Nashville Predators, in particular, are a threat due to their need for a top-line Center. For Hagens to fall to the Flyers at six teams above might prioritize other prospects like Anton Frondell or Brady Martin.
- Scoring Concerns: While Hagens is a playmaking wizard, some scouts note he’s not a major scoring threat from distance, relying more on point-blank shots. This could limit his offensive ceiling compared to other top prospects, though his playmaking compensates.
The Flyers, under General Manager Danny Briere, have 11 picks in the 2025 draft, including three first-rounders (No. 6, 22, and 31/32), giving them flexibility to target high-upside talent like Hagens or even trade up if needed. Hagens is often mocked to the Flyers at No. 6, with some experts suggesting he’d be a “steal” if available. However, other centers like Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell, or Jake O’Brien could also be in play if Hagens is taken earlier.
Porter Martone
Porter Martone, a 6’3”, 208-pound right Winger from the Brampton Steelheads (OHL), is considered a strong fit for the Flyers with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, due to several key attributes that align with the team’s needs and identity.
- Size and Physicality: Martone brings NHL-ready size and a physical, power-forward style that complements the Flyers’ blue-collar identity. His ability to battle for pucks, create a net-front presence, and deliver punishing hits adds a dimension of grit that diversifies their smaller forward group, including players like Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov. Scouts compare him to power forwards like Matthew Tkachuk and Corey Perry, noting his ability to get under opponents’ skin while maintaining skill.
- Elite Offensive Skillset: Martone’s 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in 57 OHL games in 2024-25 highlight his offensive prowess. His elite playmaking, precise passing, and heavy wrist shot make him a dual threat as a scorer and setup man. His high hockey IQ allows him to read the game, anticipate plays, and exploit defensive gaps, making him a potential top-line winger. This addresses the Flyers’ need for consistent offensive firepower beyond Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov.
- Leadership and Intangibles: As Captain of both the Steelheads and Canada’s U18 team (gold medal, 2024), Martone demonstrates leadership and thrives in high-pressure situations. His competitive edge and “winning mentality” resonate with the Flyers’ culture, and his ability to elevate teammates could enhance their young core.
- Fit Despite Positional Overlap: The Flyers have a crowded right wing with Matvei Michkov, Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink, but Martone’s upside as a potential game-changer makes him hard to pass up. Analysts suggest he could be the best player available at number six, and his refined skill set surpasses most of their current wingers in long-term potential. If selected, General Manager Danny Brière might trade a winger to address other needs, thus creating room for Martone.
- Fan Appeal and Style: Martone’s physical, skilled, and chippy play style, likened to the Tkachuk brothers, aligns with what Flyers fans crave—a “Tkachukian” presence who can score, agitate, and lead. His ability to dominate in the offensive zone and add flash, which would energize the fanbase.
Challenges to Address:
- Skating: Martone’s skating lacks elite speed, with a “wonky” stride needing refinement. NHL coaching could improve this, but it’s a noted weakness.
- Consistency: He occasionally takes unnecessary penalties or disengages defensively, areas where maturity and coaching can help.
- Positional Fit: His lack of versatility to play center limits flexibility, as the Flyers prioritize centers. However, his upside may outweigh this concern if he’s the best available.
Low and behold, the Flyers organization cannot go wrong with either Martone or Hagens with the six overall selection. Both players are equally as equivalent in their respective positions, so the organization would then select who they want it all along with the six overall selection, that is if both were made available to their liking.
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