NHL Draft Thoughts: Should the Flyers Trade Back With the Islanders?

The New York Islanders and GM Matheiu Darche very clearly want to make Schaegens happen in the NHL Draft.

This is very much apparent after the Islanders dealt star RFA defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens for picks No. 16, 17, and Emil Heineman. Now, all signs point to the Islanders using those assets in an attempt to move up to select Boston College center, and Long Island native James Hagens.

The general consensus is that a package consisting of Nos. 16 and 17 should get the Islanders into the 5-8 range. However, they have telegraphed their intent in a way that will result in a much higher cost.

The Flyers are in an interesting spot. Sure, they need a high-end prospect to be the future of the franchise alongside Matvei Michkov. However, what if New York offered a deal that GM Danny Briere cannot refuse? It creates a very interesting dynamic all of a sudden.

The tables of the 2025 NHL Draft have turned entirely, and the New York Islanders are one step closer to doing the impossible.

Should the Flyers help a division rival meet their 2025 NHL Draft plans, or should they stick a fork in them?

What Would You Consider Trading Back for in the 2025 NHL Draft

The Flyers do not need more first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. However, if I am Danny Briere and Darche comes calling, I need to hear both picks Nos. 16 and 17 are on the table before I even begin discussing. Then, I need to hear at least one prospect thrown in the mix.

Not only are the Isles telegraphing their plan, but it would also be a trade between rivals. That would drive the cost even higher. A prospect like Cole Eiserman would be a nice addition to the Flyers’ prospect pool.

Some may call me crazy for suggesting the Flyers would need a top prospect and two firsts for a 10-spot jump. But hey, that’s the cost of trading with a rival. If you want Hagens that badly, prove it.

To me, that would be the base of the only offer I’d accept. I would also consider Calum Ritchie, the prized return of the Brock Nelson trade. However, you’d almost certainly get just one of the Isles’ 2025 firsts in the NHL Draft in return.

To me, the package would have to be a lot for me to consider trading out of No. 6.

If Drache Ponies Up, Would You Make the Trade?

To make things even crazier, even if the Flyers are offered Ritchie/Eiserman, and both picks Nos. 16 and 17 in the NHL Draft, I would still be hesitant. While the package is there, my acceptance would be contingent on a third team being included.

I would only make this trade if I were confident the Flyers could still land one of Jake O’Brien, Brady Martin, or Roger McQueen. If they stay at 16 & 17, there is no chance that it will happen. So, you would need a third team facilitator. That would have to be one of the five teams ahead of the No. 16 spot in the draft (ANA, PGH, DET, CBJ, or VAN).

While I can see each of those teams being willing to fall back, Anaheim would be the most likely partner. Pittsburgh, to me, is a lock as the furthest McQueen will slip. I don’t see them trading back if he is the only one of those tier 2 centers remaining.

So, the Flyers would have to find a way to get Pat Verbeek back on the phone to move up to No. 10. Obviously, No. 16 is the start, with No. 22/31 likely being needed as well, along with other assets.

So, the short version of all of this: Yes, I would trade back with the Islanders, but only if they offer a king’s ransom, and the Flyers can still find a way to get one of the remaining top-centers.

Does it seem like a long shot? Absolutely. But hey, it’s the NHL Draft, anything can happen.

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