The Philadelphia Flyers’ front office and scouting team resumed their work early Saturday morning, eager to build on their initial success in the NHL Draft. After securing skilled power forward Porter Martone and promising center Jack Nesbitt with their first-round picks on Friday night, the Flyers are now focused on Rounds 2 through 7 to further bolster their prospect pipeline.
Stationed at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City, the Flyers’ draft headquarters is abuzz with activity as the team aims to make strategic selections that align with their long-term vision. Below is a detailed tracker of the Flyers’ selections so far, along with insights into their strategy and potential trades.
Day 1 Highlights: Martone and Nesbitt
On Friday night, the Flyers made significant strides by selecting Porter Martone and Jack Nesbitt in the first round. Martone, a right winger from Brampton (OHL), stands at 6’3″ and 204 pounds. Known for his powerful shot and slick passing, Martone scored 37 goals and 98 points last season. His immediate focus is on getting stronger to ensure his aggressive style translates to the professional level. Despite a current logjam at right wing, the Flyers picked Martone based on his potential to become a star in Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Jack Nesbitt, a 6’5″ centerman from Windsor (OHL), brings size and upside to the Flyers after they traded up to secure him. Nesbitt scored 25 goals and nearly averaged a point per game last season. His performance improved notably in the latter half, catching the attention of Flyers’ management. “We’re pretty confident that he’s just touching the tip of the iceberg in his development,” said Flyers GM Daniel Brière.
Round 2 Selections: Emphasizing Size and Potential
The Flyers continued their strategy of selecting sizable players with promising potential in the second round. They made strategic trades to acquire additional picks, focusing on players who can contribute both physically and skillfully.
Carter Amico: Defensive Prospect with Size
With the 38th pick, acquired from Seattle, the Flyers selected Carter Amico, a 6’6″ defenseman from the U.S. National Development Program. Despite a knee injury that affected his draft stock, Amico is optimistic about his recovery and future at Boston University. His ability to move well and hit hard fits the Flyers’ emphasis on size.
Jack Murtagh: Young Talent with Offensive Instincts
At pick 40, from Anaheim, the Flyers chose Jack Murtagh, a left winger known for his downhill skating and knack for finding offensive danger zones. Murtagh, one of the youngest prospects at 17, will also attend Boston University. His 6’1″ frame and 22 goals last season highlight his potential.
Shane Vansaghi: Winger with a Physical Edge
Selected at 48, from Calgary, Shane Vansaghi is a right winger who uses his 6’3″ frame to create space. Vansaghi, who scored six goals as a freshman at Michigan State, aims to improve his acceleration. His physical play aligns with the Flyers’ draft theme.
Matthew Gard: Center with a Competitive Streak
With the 57th pick, also from Seattle, the Flyers added Matthew Gard, a center from Red Deer (WHL). Known for his mean streak and commitment to checking, Gard’s 6’5″ stature and 19 goals last season make him a valuable addition to the Flyers’ center pipeline.
Later Rounds: Continuing the Trend
In the fifth round, the Flyers selected Max Westergard, a 17-year-old winger from Finland, who stands at 5’11”. Despite being the first selection under six feet, Westergard’s two-way game and 50 points in Swedish juniors make him a promising prospect. The Flyers also picked Luke Vlooswyk, a 6’5″ defenseman from Red Deer, emphasizing their commitment to size.
As the draft progresses, the Flyers hold a remaining pick in the sixth round at No. 164. Their selections reflect a clear strategy of acquiring players with both physical presence and skill potential, aiming to build a robust team for the future.
The Flyers’ focus on size and skill in this year’s draft is a calculated move to address current and future needs. As the team continues to develop these prospects, fans eagerly await their impact on the ice.
