Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Danny Briere outlined a strategic approach to the 2025 NHL Draft, emphasizing flexibility with the team’s league-high 11 draft picks—including three first-round selections (No. 6, No. 22, and No. 32) and seven picks within the top 48.
Speaking at a pre-draft press conference alongside Assistant GM Brent Flahr, Briere acknowledged a quiet trade market so far but signaled aggressive maneuvering could unfold as the June 27-28 draft approaches.
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Trade Strategy: Patience and Opportunism
Briere confirmed the Flyers’ desire to move up from their No. 6 spot but noted limited current options, as most teams are similarly aiming to climb the draft board:
“It feels like everybody’s trying to move up… We’ll have to be patient. Maybe an opportunity comes to create value going the other way.”
While a jump into the top three (e.g., for centers Matthew Schaefer or Michael Misa) is challenging, Utah’s No. 4 pick is viewed as a more realistic trade target. The Flyers could package later picks or prospects to secure a top-tier prospect like James Hagens or Porter Martone.
Conversely, Briere hinted that trading down isn’t off the table if the Flyers’ top targets are gone by No. 6. The team has 10-12 players clustered in a similar talent tier, making them comfortable with various outcomes.
Draft Philosophy: Centers, Skill Over Size, and Asset Management
– Center Focus: With a glaring organizational need at center, Briere stressed drafting and developing prospects internally rather than overpaying for established NHL talent:
> “Finding centers is almost impossible… We want to draft and groom them, even if it takes 3-5 years.
Top prospects linked to Philadelphia at No. 6 include Caleb Desnoyers, James Hagens, and Anton Frondell .
– Size Concerns Addressed: Despite the Flyers’ current roster leaning smaller, Briere downplayed prioritizing size at No. 6, emphasizing competitiveness and hockey sense instead:
“We can protect skilled guys with players like Garnet Hathaway… Size shouldn’t sway us.”
This could open the door for the 5’11” Hagens, should he be available.
– Using All Picks?: Briere indicated a “really good chance” the Flyers retain their seven top-48 selections, citing deep talent in the 22-48 range. Prospects like centers Jack Nesbitt (6’4″) or defenseman Cameron Reid are potential targets at No. 22.
Positional Priorities and Goalie Outlook
– Best Player Available at No. 6: Flahr confirmed the Flyers won’t reach for need early, noting elite talent at multiple positions:
> “There are defensemen, high-end wingers… We’ll take the best player.”
This includes wingers like Martone or defensemen such as Jackson Smith.
– Goaltending: The team is unlikely to use a first-round pick on a goalie despite interest in top prospect Joshua Ravensbergen. Flahr noted other targets later in the draft.
Draft Logistics and Timeline
The decentralized draft format—with teams operating from home war rooms—could benefit Philadelphia’s privacy-focused approach. The Flyers will host their draft HQ in Atlantic City, with fan events at the Hard Rock Casino.
Briere reiterated a disciplined rebuild, ruling out “crazy assets” for short-term gains but leaving the door open for hockey trades involving younger NHL-ready players.
What’s Next
The Flyers’ draft strategy hinges on how the top five picks unfold, with Schaefer (No. 1) and Misa (No. 2) likely off the board. Trade talks are expected to intensify next week as teams finalize boards. As Briere noted:
> “We have a lot of ammo to do different things.”
Whether they move up, stand pat, or accumulate more picks, Philadelphia’s rebuild enters a pivotal phase with this draft.
