Flyers Prioritize Size and Power in 2025 NHL Draft

In the 2025 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers made a bold move by selecting two notably tall and strong players in the first round. They picked Porter Martone, a 6-foot-3, 204-pound forward from the Ontario Hockey League, with the sixth overall pick. Martone, who served as team captain at Brampton, is known for his powerful style and game-changing ability. He has been likened to stars like Corey Perry and Brady Tkachuk. Following their initial selection, the Flyers traded up to pick Jack Nesbitt, a 6-foot-4, 187-pound center, at the twelfth spot. They sent picks 22 and 31 to acquire Nesbitt, who played for Windsor in the OHL.

Nesbitt is recognized for his gritty, physical game and plays with a lot of skill and leadership. The Flyers GM, Danny Briere, emphasized the importance of acquiring a player of Nesbitt’s physicality and potential to develop into a top-two center. Flyers President Keith Jones expressed confidence that Nesbitt embodies the characteristics they value in their future roster. Both Martone and Nesbitt, weighing a combined 391 pounds and measuring 12 feet 7 inches, are seen as building blocks for a team focusing on size, strength, and toughness.

Martone aims to join the Flyers’ lineup next season, while Nesbitt expects to need a couple of years to develop physically and improve his skating. The team’s strategic focus appears to be on creating a physically imposing team with players who can contribute both offensively and defensively, setting the stage for a potentially formidable future roster.