Flyers Make Four Picks in Round 2 of the NHL Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers drafted three NCAA/Future NCAA players and a WHL center in Round 2 of the NHL Draft.

Starting with a trade back with Seattle, the Flyers moved the 36th and 68th picks in the draft for the 38th and 57th, officially giving the team four picks in the second round.

Danny Briere continued his trend of great draft day trades, adding more assets and collecting high-end day two draft assets.

With the picks, the Flyers selected Carter Amico (BU commit) at 38, Jack Murtagh (BU Commit) at 40, Shane Vansaghi (Michigan State) at 48, and ended with Matthew Gard from Red Deer in the WHL at 57.

Flyers Second Round of the NHL Draft

Carter Amico

Carter Amico is an extremely high upside player. He is a 6’6″ defenseman who plays with intense physicality.

Amico’s season ended with a broken kneecap, which required a second surgery after the first was botched. However, Amico did tell us in Atlantic City that he has no lingering issues and is set to get back on the ice for the first time next week, and is officially heading to Boston University next season.

He has not played since November 2024.

If it were not for the injury, I would say it is a safe bet Amico would have been a first-round pick. He plays a great defensive game, using his strength and physicality. However, his offensive game should not be ignored. Amico did say he focused a bit more on defense this past season. But the offensive ability remains.

Jack Murtagh

Jack Murtagh was the second Boston University commit to be drafted by the Flyers on Saturday.

Murtagh, a USNTDP player, like Amico, is headed to BU next season. There is a lot to like about him as a player. He is a fast, high-motor guy who fires at will.

Murtagh, the 6’1″ forward, thrives in puck battles and uses his strength and physicality on both ends of the ice.

Listed as a winger during the draft, Murtagh told us that he has played both the left and right wings, along with some looks at center. He is clearly a Swiss-Army knife. His versatility will help him crack the Flyers’ lineup.

Shane Vansaghi

Shane Vansaghi being available at No. 48 was a bit shocking to me.

A 6’3″, hard-hitting power forward with a scoring touch that is excellent in front of the net, sure sounds like a first-round pick in the NHL Draft to me.

He loves to hit, and he told us his biggest strength his how he uses his body. He said he uses his frame to create space for himself and his teammates, which leads to production. Vansaghi told the Atlantic City media room that he wants to improve his speed to become more efficient.

After spending a season with Flyers’ center Karsen Dorwart at Michigan State, Vansaghi says he is thrilled to reunite with his former Spartan teammate. Vangsahi said he loves playing with him and loves looking up to him.

He is excited to bring the big, power-forward game to Philly.

Matthew Gard

Matthew Gard was someone who was not particularly on my radar. However, the Flyers are clearly looking to get bigger and more physical for the future.

Gard is a 6’5″ defensive centerman from Red Deer in the WHL.

From what I have seen, he loves using his size to put pressure on opposing teams. His defensive ability is undoubtedly what led to the Flyers’ draft choice.

He is a hard worker who plays physically strong along the boards. Gard will undoubtedly be a project, but getting a second 6’5″ centerman is a pretty big get for Briere and company.

Read More: Grading the Flyers First Round of the NHL Draft

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