The Philadelphia Flyers are set to make significant moves in the 2025 NHL Draft on June 27-28, aiming to strengthen their roster as part of a rebuild strategy. With Danny Briere holding multiple high-round picks, including three first-rounders, the team is focusing on acquiring talent that can impact the lineup, such as prospect James Hagens, a player compared to Matt Duchene.
Flyers’ Draft Capital and Strategic Flexibility
General manager Danny Briere has assembled a wealth of draft assets to reshape the Flyers’ future, holding 11 total selections across seven rounds. Their first-round picks are currently positioned at No. 6 (own pick), No. 22 (acquired via Sean Walker trade), and either No. 31 or 32 (from the Edmonton Oilers). This depth offers Briere opportunities not only to select emerging talent but also to engage in trades to maximize the team’s potential.
“There are all kinds of possibilities here,”
Briere said in April.
“I think it’s really exciting going into it. It’s powerful to have so many picks like that. I think a lot of teams will be wanting to have discussions with us to make some things happen — teams that don’t have picks or teams that want to tweak things.”
—Danny Briere, Philadelphia Flyers GM
Expert Views on the Strength of the 2025 Draft Class
Despite some skepticism around this draft’s overall quality, experts like TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button strongly defend its talent pool. In a recent interview, Button emphasized the presence of valuable players who can make a difference at the NHL level.
“There are really good players in this draft,”
Button stated.
“Maybe people say it’s not a good draft; I’m not buying it. I think this draft has got lots of good players.”
—Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting
Profile and Potential of James Hagens
One of the Flyers’ top prospects heading into the draft is James Hagens, an 18-year-old center from Boston College. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 177 pounds, Hagens has demonstrated impressive offensive skills, tallying 11 goals and 26 assists in 37 games in his freshman college season. His plus-21 rating contributed to Boston College’s strong 27-8-2 record.
Hagens also showcased his talent on the international stage, helping Team USA capture gold at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship with five goals and four assists in seven games, and a plus-9 rating.
Scouting Analysis Highlights Hagens’ Style and Ceiling
Craig Button praised Hagens for his smooth skating and playmaking ability, projecting him as a valuable second-line center. While Hagens might have the potential to play as a top-line center, Button believes his most realistic role would be strengthening a team’s secondary center position.
“James is a good player, he’s a good player,”
Button said.
“I see somebody that’s going to be a good second-line center. Teams need good second-line centers. That doesn’t mean he won’t play No. 1 center, but trying to project where he best slots, I see him as a second-line center.”
—Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting
Button ranked Hagens as the eighth-best player overall in the draft and described him as “quick,” “fast,” and a skilled playmaker who could be likened to Matt Duchene in style and production.
“Somebody that’s quick, somebody that’s fast, somebody that can make plays,”
Button remarked.
“He might be like a Matt Duchene type of player. Matt Duchene in his career has put up points and has been a good player.”
—Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting
Comparing Hagens to Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene, a veteran NHL forward for the Dallas Stars, recorded a point-per-game pace last season, scoring 30 goals and providing 52 assists in 82 games. Over his career, Duchene has accumulated 891 points (371 goals, 520 assists) in 1,138 games, illustrating his consistent offensive contributions. Button’s comparison suggests that Hagens could develop into a similarly productive player, combining speed with the ability to score and create opportunities.
Additionally, EliteProspects.com ranks Hagens as the fourth-best player overall in the draft, while NHL Central Scouting places him third among North American skaters.
“Similar in style and type of play to Matt Duchene — quick, fast, darting, makes good plays, can score some goals,”
Button added.
How Hagens Fits Into the Flyers’ Roster Plans
The Flyers could address their need for depth at center with the possible selection of Hagens at No. 6. They have already invested in this position with the selection of Jett Luchanko at 13th overall last year, and pairing Luchanko with Hagens gives the team two talented, young centermen facing promising futures. This combination also offers a complementary option alongside Russian prospect Matvei Michkov, who is expected to contribute offensively in years to come.
While both Luchanko and Hagens project as second-line centers, this role is highly valuable in today’s NHL, providing stability and scoring beyond the top-line stars.
“There are elite second-line centers in the league,”
Button noted.
“And they’re important to your team. … How many true No. 1 centers are there in the league — 10, 12? And Edmonton has two of them.”
—Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting
Outlook for the Flyers After the 2025 NHL Draft
The 2025 NHL Draft represents a critical moment for the Flyers’ rebuilding efforts, offering a platform to add multiple high-level prospects who can grow into significant roles. If James Hagens falls to the Flyers’ own pick at No. 6, he could become a key building block for Philadelphia, adding speed, skill, and versatility at a premium position. The draft’s outcome and how the Flyers deploy their extensive selection power could shape the team’s competitiveness for years ahead, signaling a renewed sense of hope and energy for the franchise’s future.