Philadelphia Flyers
James: The Flyers Have to Do What it Takes to Get Pick No. 2
San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has made it clear that the second-overall pick is on the table, and the Philadelphia Flyers need to be all over it. If the Sharks do end up trading the pick, and it is not to Philadelphia, they are making a massive mistake.
The Flyers have a massive need for a true top-line center. You can get them through free agency, if they even make it. Or, you could trade just about every asset in your organization for one. But, the most common method of acquiring a top-line center is the draft.
Currently in possession of the No. 6-overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flyers are in range to draft a center with upside, but no certainty that they will be a a top-line guy at any point in their NHL careers. Jake O’Brien and Caleb Desnoyers are two names that seem to constantly be around when the Flyers pick. Desnoyers could also be picked as high as three, in my opinion, leading to the fall of James Hagens or Anton Frondell.
If the Flyers come out of the draft with one of those four centers, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. However, neither of those players is expected to fill that 1C hole in the Flyers’ roster, at least anytime soon.
Sure, the Flyers could just wait and see if anyone in that “loaded” 2026 free agent class actually hits the open market. Or, another losing season could bring them a slim chance at winning the Gavin McKenna lottery. However, there is no guarantee there.
Instead, the Flyers should do everything it takes to get the No. 2-overall pick from San Jose and select Michael Misa.
Read More: Former AHL Coach to Join Flyers Front Office
Why Michael Misa
There are a handful of reasons why the Flyers should do what it takes to get Michael Misa–in fact, there are 91 reasons in two seasons, or 209 total reasons. He is an offensive machine; all he does is produce.
The craziest thing: Misa JUST turned 18 in mid-February. Most of that production came before he was even 18.
The 6’1″ center from the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) climbed up draft boards and has positioned himself to be the first forward taken in the draft. That is, assuming Matthew Schaefer goes No. 1.
The Flyers need a player like Misa. He is a dynamic speedster who, despite his youth, is one of the smartest players in this draft class. The combination of his speed and his hockey IQ would make him a thrilling linemate for Matvei Michkov.
Misa has a deep bag. He can be a play-driving center who can move the puck and set his teammates up. Or, he can make things happen himself. His shot is just as good, if not better than, his passing ability.
In my eyes, he is easily the most complete player in this class. Misa is defensively responsible, meaning he is not going to be a liability. However, he can be more than just responsible. Misa has the ability to actually be a threat in the defensive zone. Misa excels on the rush, and most of which begin from his defensive efforts. He could develop into a Selke contender for many years to come.
Another reason I am so high on Misa for the Flyers is that he does not seem too far away from being a legitimate 1C on a contender. He may not be a true top-line center from the get-go; however, in two to three years, he absolutely could be, if not sooner.
Michael Misa is precisely what the Flyers have been searching for. Oh, and by the way, drafting Misa does not stop you from dipping into that 2026 FA class.
Read More: Could the Flyers Find Their Center Solution from a Metro Division Rival?
What Would the Flyers Need to Give Up to Jump to No. 2?
To make the jump to No. 2, Danny Briere and company will have to cough up some significant assets. The Sharks aren’t going to make a trade just to make the trade; it’ll have to be worth it for them.
The trade package all starts at pick no. 6. The Sharks will definitely require a second first-round pick, and to them, preferably this year. That would mean the Colorado pick (22) or the Edmonton pick (29-32) will also head to San Jose.
Now, here is where things will become interesting. Regarding picks, the Sharks may decide they want more and force the Flyers into trading one of their four second-round picks in the draft. That will all depend on what players head to San Jose in the hypothetical trade.
I saw a mock trade online that included two 2025 first-round picks, a 2025 second-round pick, and Oliver Bonk, among other things. To me, if Bonk were traded, the value would be that of where he was drafted. If they do include Bonk, it would be in place of that second first-round pick.
Cam York could be an enticing option dangled to San Jose. York, a pending RFA, would fit what the Sharks need. The Sharks have gone heavy on their forwards, and could look to add a blueliner that could be around for a while. While he’s been in the league for a little bit now, York is still young and would fit the Sharks’ timeframe.
However, I still think the Flyers keep York around, and could offer up someone like Emil Andrae, or even Egor Zamula. Andrae would be most likely, in my opinion. All three are left-side blueliners, and Andrae and York are both smaller. Andrae leans a little more offensive while York tends to be more of a defender. Zamula, who I don’t think would be of much interest to San Jose, has size, which the Flyers still need.
The Final Offer
When making this trade, I would be less hesitant to overpay than I would in most cases. Misa is a future star, and will be a dominant presence for a long time. Now, the Sharks need to keep it realistic. Don’t think trading Bonk, Jett Luchanko, and two firsts is on the table. However, if the Sharks want a player or prospect, two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and anything else, the Flyers should find a way to make it work. This is the most common and effective way to acquire stars.
It will be expensive, but Michael Misa will solve a lot of problems for the Flyers. The Flyers should be aggressive in an attempt to trade up to the No. 2 pick for the chance to draft him.
If I were Briere, I would offer Emil Andrae, 2025 first-round (No. 6), 2025 first (via EDM), 2025 second (40, via ANA), and whatever other throw-ins wanted, all for the No. 2-overall pick, and the chance to draft Michael Misa.
What would your trade offer look like?
Read More: 3 Thoughts From Worlds: Ersson Makes His Case, Flyers Forwards Stand Out, & Sanheim’s Progression
For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit Philly Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@wmjsports
@PhillyHockeyNow
I would trade York, Brink the 6th pick and the Colorado first round pick.
Misa is going to be a star and him and Matvei together would be amazing.
Sign Shabanov bring up Grebenkin.
We would soon forget York and his underwhelming 25 -30 points per year. Andre can replace that.
I think that’s an overpay. 6, 30, 40 and one of the aforementioned defenseman, including York should hopefully get it done. Colorado’s pick is 21/22 and would like to keep that in the stable.
Somehow this came up in my feed as a sharks fan but why would the sharks do this? Acquiring assets is nice but one premium asset is always better than a handful of very good ones. And the sharks aren’t too interested in 2025 picks, it’s a weak class. Grier has said it’s available but he’s looking for a premium young defenseman (preferably right handed) and 2026 first round picks.
Like he said York, bonk, Andrae or zamula all young d man. Like he said it wouldn’t just be picks it would be players. Every year they say the next draft is the best and then it comes and it’s the next year. Just like they did last year. The only reason scouts say that is because there isn’t a McKenna, they say 3-6 is average. When you have that 1 top guy and it skews the draft . I bet if McKenna was in this one they would say it’s different …. It’s the daft too no one will know for a few years really.
It popped up in mine too. The no. 6 pick could yield Victor Eklund, there is a lot to like about him. The Sharks also need a #2 goalie assuming Askarov takes the lead role but I’m a little nervous about his durability. What does Philly have to offer in that category?
The Flyers have Ivan Fedotov and Aleksei Kolosov. Fedotov is NHL ready, but you would need to trust Askarov to take 70%. IDK if there would be much interest in Kolosov. Or, the prospect route, Carson Bjaranson is a promising young goalie, he’ll start the year in the AHL, but just got there so he’d take time, not ready to be a No. 2 IMO.
Thanks, it’s fun to play these guessing games at this time of the year. I’m pretty much always wrong, lol.
The 6th, 22nd, and Owen Tippett or Cam York may get the 2nd pick.
I’d do that for sure!
Yes I would definitely make that trade. Get it done DB.
Now, wait a minute. That would require a bit of creativity and ingenuity (traits that prior GMs never possessed) to make that happen.
Here’s hoping that Briere doesn’t continue that dubious trend.
If you look at most draft value charts the cost would be the Flyers’ 3 first rounders 6OA, 22OA, and 31OA(if EDM loses in the Cup again). That would get you to a value exchange of SJ(72.69) to PHI(73.71). Now add in if the Sharks want an over pay… which they would Grier also talked about Hershel Walker level deals… for a future 1C that you are billing Misa to be. So you likely would need to add Bonk, and if you are assigning him the value of the 22OA pick (the pick he was his draft year) that adds 16.86.
So just to have an overpay it would be:
PHI gets: 2OA
SJ gets: 6OA, 22OA, 31OA, and Bonk
Grier also said he wanted a Ricky Williams, herschal walker type trade for the 1st overall and with how desperate the flyers are for a number 1 center he will milk them for a similar type trade, looking more at this year’s 3 1st rounders and next years 1st for him to even consider it as the sharks are still rebuilding
Then let Grier overreach for Eklund at
#2 to unite him with his brother instead of accepting a win/win trade for #6 plus other assets so they get Eklund plus additional pieces for their rebuild. Of course he can take Misa and not get the opportunity to draft Eklund at #6.
If you could get away with trading #6, 22 (or Edmonton’s pick) a 2nd and a player like Zamula or Andrae I’d do it in a heartbeat. Misa to me is the best player in this draft, if I was the Islanders I’d 100% take him #1. But if the Flyers could find a way to get up there and take him they should do everything within reason to do so.
Having said that I think there’s about a 0.002% chance of that actually happening. Here’s to hoping I’m wrong!