Jackson Smith is one of the top trade-up options for the Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft. (Photo: Michael Augello, The Hockey News)If the Philadelphia Flyers select defenseman Jackson Smith in the 2025 NHL Draft, they'll be able to keep a close watch on him now that the top draft prospect has formally committed to Penn State.
Smith, 18, is one of many top CHL prospects making the switch to the NCAA, joining draft classmates like Cole Reschny (North Dakota), Jack Ivankovic (Michigan), Eric Nilson (Michigan State), and Alexander Zetterburg (Minnesota State Mankato), among others.
Other prospects of interest to the Flyers doing the same include Pierce Mbuyi, Mathis Rousseau, Alexis Cournoyer, Keaton Verhoeff, and Kristian Epperson.
Russ Cohen of SiriusXM NHL and EliteProspects previously reported that Smith, one of the top 2025 defense prospects with Matthew Schaefer and Radim Mrtka, had an admirer in the Flyers, though that is not going to be in play with the No. 6 pick.
It is currently widely assumed that the Flyers, with the No. 6 pick, will select the best forward available in their eyes, whether that's a winger like Porter Martone or centers like James Hagens, Caleb Desnoyers, or Jake O'Brien.
Smith scored 11 goals, 43 assists, and 54 points with the WHL Tri-City Americans this season and has drawn comparisons to names like Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim and Dallas standout Thomas Harley.
He'll join the Penn State Nittany Lions for the 2025-26 season and, presumably, beyond.