The Philadelphia Flyers have done some excellent work recently in bolstering their prospect pool. Below, I compiled a preseason power ranking of the top 10 players in the system (must have Calder Trophy eligibility). These are solely my opinions—you’re welcome to disagree!
1. Porter Martone, RW, Michigan State University (NCAA)
This one probably won’t change at any point. The 2025 sixth-overall pick was my third-ranked prospect in last year’s draft class—he was atop my list for about a month, too. Porter Martone, who committed to Michigan State University for the 2025–26 season, put up elite numbers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in his latest campaign. With 37 goals and 61 assists for 98 points in 57 contests, he’s simply surpassed the need for Canadian juniors.
The 6-foot-3, 208-pound winger is a high-level playmaker who can use his size to help create offense. Deceptive with an impressive shot to boot, the Orange and Black might have found themselves a gem. Expect him to be one of the NCAA’s top scorers if health permits.
2. Egor Zavragin, G, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
It’s always best to be cautious with this position, but Egor Zavragin has been far too brilliant to write off. A number-one starter in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) at 19 years old, he’s a serious outlier, holding the all-time games played record among goaltenders his age with 43.
Zavragin joined 17 netminders last season who appeared in at least 40 games—their average age was 26.59, while their average save percentage was .921. Despite being seven years younger than the average, the 2023 third-rounder put up a respectable .917 save percentage. Another step forward could mean being too good for perhaps the best non-NHL ice hockey league in the world.
3. Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
It’s possible that Jett Luchanko graduates from this list at some point this season. He may have just turned 19 years old, but there are a few pro-ready aspects to his game. Given his play style, the 2024 first-rounder could win over the Flyers’ new coaching staff.
Related: Flyers’ Rick Tocchet Hire: Glass-Half-Full, Half-Empty Arguments
With 56 points in 46 games in the OHL last season, Luchanko’s draft-plus-one campaign was statistically underwhelming. But he’s ahead of the game, traits-wise—he didn’t represent Team Canada at the World Junior Championship for nothing. An explosive center with passing and two-way upside, he’s an exciting piece. Improving his offensive impact will be crucial, but the raw talent is intriguing.
4. Jack Murtagh, LW, Boston University (NCAA)
This pick is purely my personal bias. I had Jack Murtagh ranked 21st among skaters for the 2025 NHL Draft, yet the Flyers snagged him in the second round. One of the hardest-working players in the class, he has fan-favorite potential once he gets proper exposure.
Though he’ll be a college freshman for Boston University in 2025–26, his game should translate to that level. With a strong shot and elite motor, he can be a nuisance even against players a few years older than him. The 18-year-old had 53 points in 56 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP) last season.
5. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
The Flyers traded up for a project at 12th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. While Jack Nesbitt didn’t have a dominant point-scoring season in the OHL, with 64 in 65 contests, and his skating is a glaring weakness, there are things to like. Most obviously, he’s a 6-foot-5 center—good ones are rare.
But also, in my viewings of the 18-year-old last season, his hockey sense stuck out. If he can improve his skating, use his size more effectively, and continue to make smart plays with and without the puck, he’s got second-line center potential. Keep an eye on his progress this season.
6. Alex Bump, LW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
After leading Western Michigan University to a national championship just a few months ago, Alex Bump is fully prepared for professional hockey. In fact, he might end up sticking with the Flyers until season’s end—he’s a serious contender for an opening night lineup spot.
Some development in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms would be a valuable experience for the 21-year-old winger, but Bump seems like he’s ready for a greater challenge. Beyond recording 47 points in 42 games in the NCAA, his transition game is elite. With a goal-scorer’s shot in his arsenal, he’ll be hard for the Flyers to deny.
7. Denver Barkey, LW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
What Denver Barkey lacks in size (5-foot-10, 171 pounds), he makes up for in effort. The 20-year-old produced at an elite 1.61 point-per-game rate for the London Knights over the past two seasons, captaining them to a Memorial Cup in the process with his high-motor play style. He was utilized in all situations.
It’s fair to worry what a physically demanding league like the AHL has in store for Barkey, but I’m not worried. With his ability to outwork the opposition no matter the size difference, I think he can make an immediate impact. If he does, a better spot than seventh could be in order.
8. Spencer Gill, RD, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
Spencer Gill impressed me last season. The 2024 second-round pick might play in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), one of the tamer development leagues, but he possesses a lot of high-upside traits that could make him a top-pairing NHL defenseman if all goes right.
Related: Flyers Prospect Update: Gill, Martone, & Murtagh
At 6-foot-4, Gill’s blend of physicality, skating ability, and transitional dominance is a unique package. Due to the upside, I consider him the best defenseman in the system. But more realistically, he’s interchangeable with one or two guys, who I’ll soon mention by name.
9. Oliver Bonk, RD, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
For the penultimate entry on this list, I have Oliver Bonk. Though he’s a little low compared to other fans’ and pundits’ rankings—which are totally valid—my projection is similar: a second- or third-pairing guy.
I’m interested to see how Bonk handles the demands of AHL hockey—he’s set to be the Phantoms’ youngest defenseman. A top-pairing player for the Knights last season, he has the championship experience to win over head coach John Snowden. He’ll likely lean on his smarts and defensive game to stand out.
10. Shane Vansaghi, RW, Michigan State University (NCAA)
Entering the 2025 NHL Draft, I was convinced that Shane Vansaghi would be a first-round pick. But the menacing power forward was still available at 48th overall—an easy selection for the Orange and Black.
Arguably the strongest player in the class, Vansaghi bullied the NCAA as a draft-eligible freshman last season. Complementing that are genuinely solid puck skills and an ability to impact all three zones. Like Murtagh, he could be a fan favorite in Philadelphia.
Just missing the cut were defenseman Carter Amico and goaltender Carson Bjarnason. If they can get off to a hot start, they’ll be on this list the next time I put one together. But for now, they’re just barely on the outside looking in.
Do you agree or disagree with these picks? Feel free to leave your thoughts below!
Stats courtesy of QuantHockey
