The Philadelphia Flyers' second round at the 2025 NHL Draft was a showcase of size, skill, and potential. With four picks in Round 2 (Nos. 36, 40, 48, and 57), there was a common theme that ran throughout Danny Briere's selections—big bodies and upside.
1. Carter Amico – The Towering Defenseman (6’6″, 232 lbs)
Profile: A true mountain of a defenseman, Amico combines physicality with emerging skating ability. At 6’6″ and 232 pounds, he’s a classic big, aggressive type who refuses to shy away from contact.
Strengths:
- Strong passing ability.
- Quite mobile for his size.
- Defensive defenseman value.
Considerations:
- Coming back from a broken kneecap that severely limited his most recent season.
- Could benefit from adding some variety to his game.
Fit: Down the middle of a future top-four pairing, Amico projects as the grief-grinding anchor every young blue line needs. His physical blueprint checks a big box.
2. No. 40 — Jack Murtagh (6’1″, 200 lbs)
Profile: Murtagh is a smooth skater that can control the pace of games, gifted with an NHL-ready shot and net-front presence.
Strengths:
- More fluid skater than his frame suggests. He’s comfortable jumping into the rush.
- Has a great compete level.
- Has both a hard shot and playmaking abilities.
Considerations:
- Puck-handling.
- Decision-making.
Fit: Has a ton of energy and is an intense competitor that could turn into a top-six player.
3. No. 48 — Shane Vansaghi (6’3″, 212 lbs)
Profile: Vansaghi looks like he’s from a different hockey era—and in the best way. In his own words, the right winger said he's excited to bring "some grit and some nastiness" to the Flyers.
Strengths:
- Promising offensive ceiling.
- Size and physicality.
- Not afraid to put his head down and grind.
Considerations:
- Skating ability and speed need improvement..
Fit: Vansaghi has lots of potential to be a significant offensive contributor, and his physical presence is incredibly valuable. With the right nurturing and development, he could be a real gem of a pick at wing.
4. No. 57 — Matthew Gard (6’4″, 194 lbs)
Profile: A big, hardworking forward that knows how to use his size. Has solid defensive awareness and an impressive hockey IQ.
Strengths:
- Once again, size and physicality. For the Flyers, that's huge (no pun intended).
- Can slot in comfortably at center or on the wing.
- Not an offensive standout, but good work ethic and can still contribute in front of the net.
Considerations:
- Not a super high offensive ceiling.
Fit: Would do well in a role on a checking line and has potential to be a good penalty killer. Still has potential to work with, but will likely end up more of a bottom-six depth guy.