Flyers Draft Talk: 5 Targets Who Could Be Options In the 2nd Round

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Philadelphia Flyers, as of now, will enter the 2026 NHL Draft with just 4 selections. They will make their Round 1 and Round 2 selections, then not make another selection until Round 6, wrapping it up with their 7th-round pick.

>Barring any changes, the Flyers are going to have to make the most of their first two draft picks.

>The Flyers made 6 picks in the first two rounds last season, so this draft does not necessarily have to be about stocking the cupboard with tons of prospects. Instead, Philly should be looking for the right prospects, especially with their limited number of selections.

>So, who are those prospects?

>We know the Flyers have a great need for defensemen and centermen. But, finding that future 1C or 1D is nearly impossible to do beyond the 1st round, maybe even top-15. But, luckily for the Flyers, there are still some really solid prospects with middle-six/top-four potential that could fall into the 7th.

>Last year, the Flyers selected Jack Murtagh, Shane Vansaghi, Carter Amico, and Matthew Gard in the 2nd round of the NHL Draft. Who could the Flyers select this year? Let’s look at some options.

>Read More: Flyers Trade Talk: Top Pair Target Emerging in Buffalo?

Prospects Who Should Go Right Around the Flyers’ PickXavier Villeneuve, LD, Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL)

>Xavier Villeneuve is a prospect we have spoken plenty about over the past few weeks. In fact, he was our first prospect selected in the very first Flyers’ mock draft we did. Villeneuve is a solid offensive-defenseman with the potential to be a top-power-play wizard. He has drawn comparisons to Lane Hutson, who happens to be his favorite player. He’s also headed to Boston University, where Hutson played and developed into a star.

>A player who plays a very similar game to Lane Hutson, you would think, would be drawing 1st-round expectations. However, like Hutson, concern over Villeneuve’s size and lack of physicality has Villeneuve slipping into the 2nd round.

>Now, I am listing him first, because I still think there is too offensive potential for him to fall too far. I would be shocked if he makes it past the Flyers at 53. In fact, I would really be shocked if he made it to 53 in the first place. But, for what it’s worth, Corey Pronman mocked the blueliner to the Flyers in his 7-round mock draft.

>Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville (QMJHL)

>Yegor Shilov is another player that I can see being available for the Flyers in Round 2. Once again, we’ve talked about him once before as a potential fit for the Flyers on Day 1. Like Villeneuve, time had its own story to write, and it seems as if Shilov is becoming a Day 2 option for most.

>Shilov has all of the offensive talent in the world. He’s got a wicked shot, a solid playmaker, and a high hockey IQ. The game looks slowed down for him while he’s playing. The big concern for Shilov is that, while he has good defensive positioning, he lacks physicality. He’s not a very physical player and tends to shy away from contact while with the puck. That brings enough concern to make him a Day 2 prospect.

>Shilov is listed to be with Victoriaville again in the 2026/27 season. However, there is still a chance that he will enroll at Penn State before this upcoming year.

Prospects Who Should Be Available at 53Markus Ruck, C/W, Medicine Hat (WHL)

>1/2 of the point-producing Ruck Twins duo, Markus Ruck, is expected to be the second of the two twins selected during the 2026 NHL Draft. There is a chance that Liam goes on Day 1, but it’s almost certain that Markus will be a Day 2 pick, barring a surprise.

>While Ruck is an incredible playmaker with a good scoring touch of his own, his lack of defensive abilities handicaps him as a prospect and will likely limit how high he can climb on a roster. That likely marks him as a Day 2 prospect.

>Ryan Roobroeck, LW/C, Niagara/Guelph (OHL)

>Ryan Roobroeck, a 6’4″ forward with high scoring numbers in the OHL, was once expected to be picked very early in this NHL Draft. However, despite a season where he was a scoring leader on the Niagara Ice Dogs, Roobroeck fell down draft boards.

>The Elite Prospects Draft Guide, which I totally recommend checking out if you haven’t yet, profiles Roobroeck as an opportunistic scorer rather than a bruiser. They also raised concern over his compete and pace. To me, there is too much upside with the player, and the 2nd round is a perfect place to run the risk on a prospect.

>Brady Knowling, G, Saginaw (OHL)

>We’ve done two centers, a winger, and a defenseman; now it’s time for a goalie. Brady Knowling could likely be the second goalie taken off the board. The American goalie, born in Toronto, played for the USA U18 and U20 teams this past year. His 6’5″ stature is what NHL teams like these days. He’s also Boston University-bound after this next season.

>I don’t know if 53 is a reach for the goalie or not. It does seem a little steep. However, he is, in my eyes, the clear No. 2 goalie in this class. If the Flyers want to add another premier goalie prospect to the prospect pool, this is a good chance.

>Read More: PhHN Daily: Flyers Draft Rankings; Raddysh Trade; Canucks Pushing Pettersson?

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