Shane Vansaghi was selected by the Flyers in the second round (48th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. A 6-foot-3, 216-pound Right Winger from St. Louis, Missouri, Vansaghi is known for his physical, hard-hitting style combined with offensive flair, making him a quintessential “Flyers-type” player, “Every drill I go into, it’s going to feel like it’s game 7 of a Stanley Cup Final,” Vansaghi said following his second day of Developmental Camp yesterday.
During his freshman season at Michigan State University in 2024-25, he played all 37 games, scoring six goals and adding 10 assists for 16 points, earning the team’s Outstanding Rookie Award. His physicality, relentless forechecking, and ability to win board battles have drawn comparisons to former Flyer Rick Tocchet, with scouts noting his potential as a bottom-six or middle-six power forward in the NHL, though his skating needs improvement. Vansaghi previously played two seasons with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (2022-24), where he recorded 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 59 games in his U18 year.
Vansaghi even played against Alex Bump, when Bump played at Western Michigan, “He’s a good player. He’s a threat,” Vansaghi said. “If you give him too much time and space to create, he will make you pay.”
He’s expected to return to Michigan State for his Sophomore season to further develop his game. It’s not a surprise that he has become good friends with Karsen Dorwart, as both played together at Michigan State. Dorwart even texted him the moment he got drafted, and said “See you at camp”.
Within his first two days of Flyers’ 2025 Development Camp, he has earned the nickname “The Truck” for his imposing presence, with staff praising his energy and competitive nature. Developmental Coach Riley Armstrong has coined him the term “Mac Truck”.
There are somethings that Vansaghi doesn’t take for granted, “Putting on the Flyers Jersey, putting these shirts on. Wearing the Flyers logo, it’s pretty cool.” Vansaghi is really embracing camp, as he intends to listen to all the coaches, with the hopes of making him a better player.
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Martone and the Mack Truck should get a invite to training camp along with the deserving prospects just to see what they can do. Something tells me Martone is going to make the team. He has minor things to work on over the summer to get ready. Looking at his drive he will correct them and be ready. Can’t wait for the truck to hit fresh meat and Martone play with Michkov. This training camp is going to be fun!