The 2025 NHL Entry Draft is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for many teams, particularly the Philadelphia Flyers, who are eyeing a wealth of talent among the center prospects. This year’s draft class is rich with first-round candidates who either specialize in the center position or are versatile enough to switch between center and wing, a factor that could play to the Flyers’ advantage as they hold the sixth overall pick.
The Flyers have a well-established drafting philosophy: prioritize the best available player regardless of position during the first round. This approach ensures that talent trumps positional needs, although the 2025 Draft might see a rare alignment between the two. As Brent Flahr, the Flyers’ assistant general manager, explained, “We are aware of our organizational needs. But, in the first round, we won’t pick centers just to pick centers. It’s going to be the available player who is highest on our list. Yes, if it’s a tossup between two similar players and one is a center, that can sway it. But we’re not going to pass on someone we like better if he’s a wing or a defenseman.”
Top Center Prospects for the Flyers
With the sixth overall selection, the Flyers have several promising center prospects to consider. Here’s a closer look at seven potential candidates:
Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit, OHL)
Misa is an offensive powerhouse in the Ontario Hockey League, and the Flyers might need to trade up into the top four—or even the top two—to secure him. Although surprises are not uncommon in the draft, the likelihood of the Flyers moving up from sixth is slim. Some analysts suggest Misa might transition to wing in the NHL, where defensive responsibilities are less demanding. Nonetheless, he currently excels as a center.
Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL)
The younger brother of Phantoms’ center/wing Elliot Desnoyers, Caleb is a well-rounded prospect with above-average offensive skills and strong defensive reliability. While he might not be available beyond the top five, his draft stock could be affected by injuries to both wrists during the 2024-25 season, which also kept him from participating in the NHL Scouting Combine’s physical tests.
Anton Frondell (Djurgarden, Allsvenskan)
Frondell is known for his shooting prowess and two-way potential. Despite some concerns about his performance for Team Sweden in the Under-18 World Championship and consistency issues, he remains a potential top-five pick. His versatility could see him play both center and wing in the NHL.
James Hagens (Boston College, NCAA)
Once the consensus favorite for the first overall pick, Hagens’ freshman year at Boston College fell short of expectations, causing his draft stock to dip. Despite his smaller stature, his offensive skill and creativity make him a top-five to top-10 contender.
Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Martin’s draft stock soared in the latter half of the 2024-25 season, highlighted by a standout performance at the U18 tournament for Canada. Known for his gritty style and leadership potential, Martin is seen as a future NHL captain. He can play both center and wing, offering flexibility in lineup rotations.
Jake O’Brien (Brantford Bulldogs, OHL)
O’Brien is celebrated as one of the best playmakers in the draft, alongside Hagens. Despite missing the U18s due to injury, he is now healthy. At 6-foot-2 and 172 pounds, he is expected to bulk up, which will enhance his skating explosiveness.
Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL)
Standing at 6-foot-5, McQueen combines natural skill and physical competitiveness. However, a back injury limited his play in the 2024-25 season. Despite these setbacks, positive reports on his recovery and playoff performance bolster his draft appeal.
Mid-to-Late First Round Prospects
Should the Flyers trade up with their second (22nd overall) and/or third (31st overall) picks, these centers might come into play:
Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals, WHL)
Reschny is a high-skill forward who posted impressive numbers in the 2024-25 season. Despite his average skating and size, his playmaking abilities make him a notable prospect outside the top 10.
Ben Kindel (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)
Often compared to Montreal Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki, Kindel is a smaller center with a knack for deceptive shooting. His 99-point season in Calgary highlights his offensive capabilities.
Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds, WHL)
As Team Canada’s U18 captain, Cootes is a smart checking forward with leadership qualities. While his point production isn’t eye-catching, his potential as a strong third-line center with room to grow is undeniable.
Looking Ahead
The Flyers’ strategy at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft will be closely watched as they balance organizational needs with the pursuit of top-tier talent. With a strong pool of center prospects available, the team has the opportunity to bolster its lineup with players who could make significant impacts in the coming years. As the draft approaches, the Flyers’ decisions could shape the future of the franchise, offering fans much to anticipate.
