As the NHL trade deadline fades into the rearview mirror, it's time to shift our focus to the 2026 NHL Draft. This year's class could be a game-changer for the Philadelphia Flyers, with a wealth of wingers and defensemen leading the charge. Meanwhile, most of the centers are projected to go between the 10th and 20th picks.
If the season wrapped up today, the Flyers would likely land the 14th overall pick with a 95.8% probability. They have a slim 1.1% chance at the 15th pick and can't climb higher than 4th, where they hold a 3.2% chance. There's also a minuscule possibility they could snag the fifth pick.
Of course, with nearly 20 games left, the draft order could see some shake-ups. Even if the Flyers hit a rough patch, their ceiling seems to be around the 6th or 7th pick, depending on how teams like Winnipeg perform.
Let's dive into the top 20 prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft, organized by tiers. We'll start with those who are likely out of reach for the Flyers, then move to those who might require a bit of lottery luck, followed by prospects available if the Flyers slide down the standings, and finally, those in the Flyers’ current range.
2026 NHL Draft Rankings
Prospects Out of Reach
- Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA) 32 GP, 14G, 34A, 48TP
- Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda HC (SHL) 40 GP, 11G, 21A, 32TP
- Keaton Verhoeff, LD, North Dakota (NCAA) 32GP, 6G, 14A, 20TP
Prospects Requiring Lottery Luck
- Alberts Smits, LD, Jukurit (Liiga) 38GP, 6G, 7A, 13TP
- Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL) 61GP, 28G, 51A, 79TP
- Chase Reid, RD, Soo (OHL) 42GP, 18G, 29A, 47TP
Prospects Available if Flyers Bottom Out
- Carson Carels, LD, Prince George (WHL) 53 GP, 19G, 47A, 66TP
- Viggo Bjork, C, Djurgardens IF (SHL) 39 GP, 5G, 8A, 13TP
- Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough (OHL) 54 GP, 32G, 30A, 62TP
- Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL) 57GP, 34G, 25A, 59TP
Prospects in Flyers’ Current Range
- Daxon Rudolph, RD Prince Albert (WHL)
- 63GP, 27G, 43A, 6TP
Rudolph is a standout defenseman known for his elite puck-moving skills and ability to control play from the point.
While he may not surpass the top four defensemen, he's a strong contender to be the fifth defenseman off the board.
- **Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston U.
(NCAA)** - 16 GP, 1G, 3A, 4TP (Muskegon Numbers: 13GP, 10G, 7A, 17TP)
Once a top prospect, Lawrence's move to BU has seen his stock dip, but this could play into the Flyers' hands.
- Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)
- 48GP, 2G, 9A, 11 TP
Suvanto is a young, physical forward who excels defensively.
His size and style make him an intriguing option.
- JP Hurlbert, F, Kamloops (WHL)
- 62GP, 38G, 54A, 92TP
Hurlbert is a dynamic forward with elite scoring ability.
Though projected as a winger, his skills are undeniable.
--Flyers Current Projected Draft Spot--
- Ryan Lin, RD, Vancouver (WHL)
- 48GP, 13G, 42A, 55TP
Lin is an offensive-minded defenseman who has dominated the WHL, though his size might keep him out of the top five.
- Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
- 17GP, 1G, 7A, 8TP
Hemming's physicality at 6’4” is impressive, and with some development, he could be a strong NHL presence.
- Ryan Roobroeck, C, Niagara (OHL)
- 49 GP, 30G, 28A, 58TP
Roobroeck is a towering center with a heavy shot, though consistency remains a question.
- Xavier Villenueve, LD, Blaineville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)
- 35GP, 6G, 30A, 36TP
Villenueve's offensive prowess is notable, but his size might cause him to drop.
- Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 (SHL)
- 24GP, 0G, 3A. 3TP
Gustafsson is a physical defenseman with potential as a two-way player.
- Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville (QMJHL)
- 58GP, 30G, 48A, 78TP
Shilov's skillset is impressive, but his pace needs improvement to crack the top 10.
A Prospect Worth Watching
HM. Brooks Rogowski, C, Oshawa
- 40GP, 12G, 20A, 32TP Rogowski is a gritty 6’6” center who excels in transition and plans to join Michigan State, making him a prospect to keep an eye on.
As the draft approaches, the Flyers have a wealth of options to consider. Whether they aim for a high-impact winger, a solid defenseman, or a promising center, the 2026 NHL Draft is set to be a pivotal moment for the franchise.