The Flyers indeed slipped to the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, a tough break after entering with the fourth-best odds. Still, the No. 6 spot offers a strong chance to land a high-impact player, with prospects like James Hagens, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, and Caleb Desnoyers likely in the mix.
James Hagens (C, Boston College, NCAA): A dynamic playmaker with elite skating and vision, Hagens has 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 35 NCAA games as a freshman. His size (5’10”, 177 lbs) raises questions about his NHL center projection, but his skill could make him a top-six forward. Some scouts see him slipping due to a lukewarm NCAA start, but his World Juniors performance (9 points in 7 games) keeps him in the conversation.
Porter Martone (RW, Brampton, OHL): A 6’3″, 208-pound power forward, Martone blends size, skill, and a wicked shot, leading Brampton with 84 points (28 goals, 56 assists) in 45 games. His skating needs polish, but his physicality and net-front presence make him a fit for teams needing a big winger. He’s a strong complement to smaller, skilled forwards.
Anton Frondell (C, Djurgarden, SWE): Frondell, 6’1″ and 198 lbs, posted 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 HockeyAllsvenskan games, a historic mark for a draft-eligible player. His one-timer and puck control are elite, though his skating and international showings (subpar U18 Worlds) raise questions. He’s a two-way center with top-six potential.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton, QMJHL): A 6’2″, 178-pound two-way center, Desnoyers leads the QMJHL with 84 points (35 goals, 49 assists) in 56 games. His hockey IQ, playmaking, and defensive reliability stand out, though his skating and lighter frame need work. His brother, Elliot, is a Flyers prospect, adding organizational familiarity.
The Flyers’ biggest need is a premium Center to pair with Matvei Michkov, and all four prospects fit that mold to varying degrees. Hagens offers the highest skill ceiling, Martone brings size and scoring, Frondell combines physicality and shooting, and Desnoyers provides a complete 200-foot game. Mock drafts vary, but Frondell and Desnoyers are frequently projected around No. 6, while Hagens could slip or go earlier, and Martone’s stock depends on team preference for wingers.
As for this being the Flyers’ last draft lottery, that’s the hope if their rebuild progresses. With Michkov, Jett Luchanko, and three first-round picks in 2025 (No. 6, plus Colorado’s and Edmonton’s, likely Nos. 22-25), General Manager Danny Briere has assets to build a contender. A strong 2025-26 season could keep them out of the lottery, but it hinges on young talent stepping up and goaltending stabilizing. Here’s to hoping the sixth pick lands a cornerstone player and the Flyers start climbing the standings.
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Jamey,
I just watched highlights of Desnoyers, McQueen, Martone, and O’Brien. McQueen looked the best but I only saw 4 games highlights from the start of the season. Back injury scares me. Martone was very good but like Desnoyers, they seem to take a little too much time on the puck. O’Brien played the quickest and looked really good. I think he would fit with Matvei the best.