Flyers’ Slide Could Open the Door to a Franchise Center in 2026 Draft
Once again, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a familiar midseason rut - stuck in the middle of the standings, not quite out of it, but not exactly in it either. Heading into the Olympic break, the Flyers hold a 25-20-11 record and sit eight points out of a playoff spot.
They’re chasing both the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins for the final wildcard and Metropolitan Division playoff berths, but the math isn’t in their favor. According to Moneypuck, Philly’s playoff odds are down to 10.7% - ninth-worst in the NHL and fourth-worst in the Eastern Conference.
So, while the postseason door hasn’t officially slammed shut, it’s creaking. And with that comes the inevitable shift in focus: the 2026 NHL Draft.
This year’s draft class brings plenty of intrigue. At the top, wingers Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are the clear headliners among forwards, while the blue line crop is deep and talented, featuring names like Keaton Verhoeff, Chase Reid, Alberts Smits, and Carson Carels. But for a team like the Flyers - still searching for that elusive franchise center to anchor the rebuild - the spotlight naturally turns to the middle of the ice.
Enter Tynan Lawrence.
Lawrence, a 6-foot center from Canada, has emerged as the top pivot in this class, even if the center position as a whole isn’t the strongest in recent years. He’s ranked fourth overall in the consolidated rankings from EliteProspects, but their internal board has him at 11 - a notable gap that could work in Philadelphia’s favor if he slides come draft day.
Lawrence’s season has been a tale of two leagues. He started the year wearing the captain’s “C” for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, where he put up 10 goals and 17 points in just 13 games - a strong showing that highlighted his speed, hands, and offensive instincts.
But since making the jump to Boston University in the NCAA, the transition hasn’t been smooth. Through 10 college games, he’s managed just one goal and one point.
That’s a steep drop-off, but it’s not unheard of for young players making that leap.
The tools are still there. Lawrence’s skating and puck skills remain high-end, and while the production hasn’t followed him to the NCAA just yet, the Flyers are no strangers to this kind of developmental curve. In fact, they’ve shown time and again that they’re willing to be patient with players adjusting to the college game.
Take Carter Amico, for example - a defenseman who went the opposite route, leaving Boston for Muskegon to recalibrate his game. Or look at Porter Martone, a top prospect who had a slow start at Michigan State but is still very much on track. Shane Vansaghi, another NCAA Flyer, hasn’t quite popped offensively either, but the organization isn’t panicking.
The Flyers' pipeline is loaded with college talent navigating similar paths. Cole Knuble, Owen McLaughlin, Heikki Ruohonen, Jack Murtagh, Ryan MacPherson, and Noah Powell are all working through the NCAA grind.
Meanwhile, Ty Murchison, Alex Bump, and Karsen Dorwart have recently made the jump to the pro ranks after time in college. The takeaway?
Philly knows development isn’t linear, and they’re not afraid to let prospects take the time they need.
That’s what makes Lawrence such an intriguing potential fit. He’s not a finished product, but the upside is clear.
If the Flyers are serious about finding a true No. 1 center to build around - a player who can eventually lead the line and elevate everyone around him - Lawrence checks a lot of the boxes. He’s got the skill, the leadership pedigree, and the kind of raw tools that could blossom with the right development plan.
The Flyers have learned the hard way that there are no shortcuts in a rebuild. You can’t force progress without first securing the foundational pieces. And if the standings continue to trend the way they are, Philadelphia might just find themselves in position to grab one of those pieces in June.
Tynan Lawrence might not be the sure-thing superstar some teams dream about, but he could be exactly the kind of project the Flyers need - a high-upside center with room to grow and the potential to become the centerpiece they’ve been searching for.