Tonight’s NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, 2025, is massive for the Flyers. With a 9.5% chance at the No. 1 pick and an equal shot at No. 2, they’re in the hunt for a game-changer like defenseman Matthew Schaefer or forwards Michael Misa or James Hagens—prospects who could redefine the franchise. Their default slot is No. 4, but they’re most likely to land at No. 5 (44.6%) or No. 6 (20.8%), with a tiny 0.3% chance at No. 3. They won’t drop below sixth, per NHL rules.
A player like Schaefer, a puck-moving defenseman, or Misa, a 134-point OHL star, could pair with Matvei Michkov (26 goals this season) to push the Flyers toward contention next year. Hagens, with his elite speed, could be a top-six center for a decade. But the draft is a minefield—a bust like Nolan Patrick in 2017, picked over Cale Makar, could delay the rebuild by years. With three first-round picks (their own, Edmonton’s, and Colorado’s) and four second-rounders, General Manager Danny Brière has flexibility to draft impact players or trade for a star.
After a 33-39-10 season and five playoff-less years, this lottery could be the turning point. A top pick might fast-track the Flyers to relevance, but a whiff could keep them in the wilderness. High stakes are at play with the franchise tonight!!!
Let’s hope the Flyers move up to the first overall pick.
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They need Schaefer like humans need oxygen to breathe. They haven’t had a player like him since Hall of Famer Mark Howe.