(Feature/header image courtesy of Christopher Hanewinc-Imagn Images)
While much of the pre-draft chatter has been dominated by speculation around what the Philadelphia Flyers will do with their coveted No. 6 pick, and even at No. 22, the later first-round slot at No. 31 holds its own intriguing set of questions.
Will Danny Briere and the Flyers stand pat and make a pick? Will they trade down—or use the pick to move up? Whatever the case, the No. 31 slot provides a unique chance to land a player who can deepen the pipeline and possibly carve out an impactful role down the line.
If the Flyers do decide to use the pick, three intriguing names stand out as potential candidates, each representing a different avenue for building the future of this team.
Milton Gastrin — The Reliable, Hard-Working Center
A center with a strong, well-rounded approach to the game, Milton Gastrin is the type of player coaches tend to gravitate towards. He’s put together an impressive campaign, registering 42 points in 40 games and making a name for himself with an honest, hard-working style.
Gastrin’s biggest strength is his reliability. He can win draws, kill penalties, and play a responsible, 200-foot game that allows his line to sustain pressure and limit opportunities against. His skating is crisp, and he has a nose for making plays happen.
The biggest caveat? Gastrin doesn’t have the ceiling of some higher-profile prospects. Unless he finds another gear in the next year or two, he projects as more of a bottom-six contributor than a future star. Still, in a league where depth down the middle wins championships, Gastrin is a name worth considering if the Flyers are looking for a safe bet.
Cole McKinney — The Playmaking Pivot
Then there's Cole McKinney, the USNTDP standout who has quietly built a reputation as one of the more cerebral centers in this class. McKinney doesn’t dominate in any one area, but he does a lot of things very well. He’s a proficient stick handler, a patient playmaker, and a forward with terrific ice vision.
McKinney plays a mature game that allows him to adapt to different situations. At his best, he can drive offense from the middle of the ice and create space for his wingers. Though he doesn’t have the top-end offensive ceiling of some higher-ranked prospects, he projects as a very solid third-line center at the NHL level — the kind of player every competitive team needs.
For the Flyers, a team looking to deepen its pipeline with smart, adaptable centers, McKinney would be a worthwhile consideration at No. 31.
Jack Ivankovic — The Big Swing Between the Pipes
And then there’s Jack Ivankovic, the goaltender who has turned heads throughout the draft process. Despite standing just 5-foot-11 — smaller than the prototypical NHL goalie — Ivankovic is one of the most skilled netminders available.
One scout called him “probably the most skilled goalie in this draft,” and his numbers speak for themselves. At the 2025 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, Ivankovic went 6-0-0, posting a 1.05 goals-against average and .961 save percentage.
Goaltending is one area the Flyers have been looking to bolster lately, seeing as the prospect pool between the pipes has been scant. With his established skill and potential to grow and improve, adding Ivankovic into the mix with 2023 selection Carson Bjarnason could be an appealing direction for the organization to go in.
Positionally sound with crisp rebound control, Ivankovic plays a sharp, technically refined style that allows him to make up for a lack of sheer size. Selecting him would be a swing — and in many ways, a statement that the Flyers are confident enough in their developmental staff to help him defy the size questions that have plagued smaller goalies throughout NHL history.
The Bigger Picture
Each of these three prospects offers something intriguing for the Flyers. Gastrin provides a strong, safe option down the middle — a player who could fit seamlessly into an NHL lineup within a few years. McKinney, with his playmaking flair and versatility, has the potential to evolve into a middle-six stalwart. Meanwhile, Ivankovic offers the highest risk-reward proposition of the trio, a chance to land a consistent and intelligent goaltender if he can translate his dominant junior and international performance to the professional level.
More than anything, the No. 31 pick provides the Flyers with a valuable opportunity to deepen their roster in a critical area—center depth or goaltending—and to further shape the identity of this team as it moves through a pivotal point in its rebuild.
For Danny Briere and the rest of the front office, it’s about making a calculated bet. Will it be the reliability of Gastrin? The playmaking smarts of McKinney? Or the big swing in Ivankovic?
Whatever the choice, one thing is certain: this pick will matter for years to come. The Flyers have positioned themselves well to make the most of it — and the hockey world will be watching closely when that pick arrives.