The Flyers plowed on in the second round, drafting size after size, especially after drafting a 6’6 hulking defenseman in Carter Amico. Here are the other three selections made by your Philadelphia Flyers in the second round.
40) Jack Murtagh- LW
Jack Murtagh, a 6’1, 200-pound Left Wing/Center from East Greenbush, New York, is a 2025 NHL Draft prospect who played for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) U18 team and is committed to Boston University for the 2025-26 season.
Strengths:
- Skating and Speed: Murtagh is an explosive skater with powerful strides, capable of reaching top speed quickly and blowing past defenders in open ice. His linear speed and ability to change pace make him dangerous on the rush and effective on the forecheck, pressuring defenders into turnovers.
- Shooting Ability: Known for a pro-caliber snap shot and a deceptive in-motion release, Murtagh’s wrist shot and one-timer are major assets, especially on the power play. He led the NTDP with seven power-play goals and 165 shots on goal in 56 games during the 2024-25 season, showcasing a shooter’s mentality.
48) Shane Vansaghi- RW
Shane Vansaghi is a 6’2, 216-pound Right Winger from St. Louis, Missouri. As a freshman at Michigan State University in the 2024-25 season, he played all 37 games, recording 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points with a +10 rating, despite averaging around 11-12 minutes of ice time per game, primarily on the third and fourth lines. He also contributed on special teams, with 1:11 on the power play and 0:47 on the Penalty Kill, scoring two power-play goals. His performance earned him a No. 36 ranking among North American skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings.
Strengths:
- Physicality and Work Ethic: Vansaghi is a hard-driving power forward with an NHL-caliber frame, known for relentless forechecking, punishing hits (averaging 1.77 hits per game), and winning puck battles along the boards. His high motor and physical identity make him a disruptive force, particularly in front of the net, where he’s difficult to dislodge and effective as a screener.
- Hockey Sense: He displays above-average tactical awareness, reading pressure well, angling defenders, and making timely interventions to force turnovers or support teammates. His simple, effective plays—like using the boards or chipping the puck behind defenders—showcase his underrated hockey IQ.
57) Matthew Gard- C
Matthew Gard is a 6’5, 193-pound Center from Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the 2024-25 season with the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), he led the team with 19 goals and 36 points in 66 games, including four game-winning goals and six power-play goals. He posted a 52.3% faceoff win rate, averaged 1:59 shorthanded ice time per game, and recorded 81 penalty minutes, showcasing his physical edge. NHL Central Scouting ranked him No. 37 among North American skaters in their Final Rankings.
Strengths:
- Size and Reach: Gard’s 6’5” frame makes him a dominant net-front presence, ideal for screening goalies, deflecting shots, and winning battles in high-traffic areas. His long reach aids in puck protection and defensive disruptions.
- Defensive Reliability: A strong two-way center, Gard excels in faceoffs (51-57% win rate), defensive-zone coverage, and penalty killing. He averaged 4.2 takeaways, 2.5 loose puck recoveries, and 0.79 blocked shots per game, demonstrating high hockey IQ and commitment to defensive play.
- Physicality and Work Ethic: Known for a relentless motor, Gard’s forechecking and physical play (81 PIMs) make him a disruptive force. He handles heavy minutes, often against top lines, and maintains shift-to-shift consistency.
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