Flyers Face Draft Dilemma Amid High Hopes and Higher Stakes

The Philadelphia Flyers have secured the fourth-best odds in the 2025 NHL Draft lottery, but instead of clarity, they’ve stirred up more uncertainty.

Their long-term mission remains the same: find a true top-line center — a perfect future partner for Matvei Michkov. While 2023 first-rounder Jett Luchanko shows promise, few see him developing into that elite center.

Many fans still question the decision to pass on Zeev Buium — a dynamic defenseman taken by the Wild — in favor of trading down to select Luchanko. Now, with a shot at the No. 1 pick, the Flyers face a compelling dilemma.

Matthew Schaefer, a standout defenseman from the Erie Otters, is widely seen as the top talent in the 2025 draft. Would the Flyers risk passing on a center yet again and select another defenseman? Or do they prioritize their forward core and wait until later in the first round — or even 2026 — to address the blue line?

The comparisons will be inevitable. Will this draft end up being remembered as Luchanko and Schaefer, or Luchanko and a forward like James Hagens, Anton Frondell, Michael Misa, or Jake O’Brien — while Buium shines elsewhere?

Meanwhile, Gavin McKenna, with 129 points in 56 WHL games, looms large as the early favorite to go No. 1 in 2026. Can the Flyers afford to bottom out again next season for a mere chance at him?

After Thursday’s 5–4 loss to Buffalo, which quietly boosted their lottery odds, Flyers fans may feel hopeful. But the hardest part lies ahead.

According to Tankathon, the Flyers have a 9.5% chance of landing a top-two pick, but nearly a 65% chance of sliding to fifth or sixth. They could get their top choice — or end up picking from what’s left.

Still, with three first-rounders and four second-round picks this year, the Flyers have the draft capital to reshape their roster — at center, defense, and even in goal.

What they do between now and June 27 will define their direction. One thing’s for sure: all eyes are on Philly as the 2025 offseason begins in earnest.