Five Prospects Worth Trading Up for in the 2025 NHL Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers currently own the No. 6, No. 22, and No. 31/32 picks in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

They will land a great player at No. 6, and have the chance to select draft day steals at picks No. 22 and the Edmonton pick. However, the NHL Draft is not always about sitting back and hoping; sometimes, you have to make some moves and take some risks to get the best players.

In the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flyers have seven picks in the top 50–plenty of draft capital to make some noise. That is in addition to the team’s future picks and tradable assets. The Flyers will be a team to watch come draft night.

So, with that, let’s talk about which prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft will be worth trading up for.

Trade Up from No. 6 Pick

Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

This one could not be any more obvious. The Flyers need centers, and Michael Misa is quite easily regarded as the top option in the NHL Draft.

Misa is a dynamic offensive weapon who is a fantastic playmaker, pace pusher, but an even better scorer. Mix that with defensive responsibility, and you get an easy equation that equals future NHL superstar.

The Sharks would be quite silly to trade out of that pick, as they could be absolutely set for the future with a trio of Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Misa. However, nothing is impossible, and if they get blown away by the offer, the pick could be dealt.

It would be costly for the Flyers, starting at No. 6 and either a prospect or player, likely Cam York or Oliver Bonk. Depending on the player, the Flyers would also need to add additional picks.

Michael Misa is worth trading up for.

Securing James Hagens, C, Boston College (NCAA), Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton (QJMHL), OR Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL)

The other pick ahead of the Flyers that is known to be available is the No. 4 overall pick, which belongs to Utah.

Utah is reportedly willing to move their pick for a young forward, but is also interested in Brady Martin at No. 4, whom they can acquire even if they trade back a few spots.

The Flyers could take on this opportunity as a chance to secure their choice of the Tier Two players. Matthew Schaefer and Misa will go No. 1 and No. 2, with a coin flip between Caleb Desnoyers and Anton Frondell at No. 3, in my opinion anyway. James Hagens and Porter Martone could each be selected before the Flyers have the chance to pick.

Trading up to No. 4 would secure at least one of the two players being available. It also repoens the Caleb Desnoyers possibility as well.

While they could likely get the leftover at No. 6, trading up to No. 4 would allow them their choice and to get the player that best fits their organization. Trading up to No. 4 would be worthwhile for either of the three prospects.

Trade Up from the No. 22 Pick

Jackson Smith, LD, Tri-City Americans (WHL), Penn State Commit (NCAA)

Trading up to land Jackson Smith would be an expensive move, but it would be well worth it.

The Flyers would likely have to find a way to move from No. 22 all the way to the No. 10-13 spot, IF Smith makes it out of the top 10. In my opinion, if he does squeak past Seattle at No. 8, he likely falls to No. 13.

With that, the Detroit Red Wings will be the perfect trade partner for a Flyers move up in the draft. They are looking for a young, but right now, NHL defenseman. The Flyers could dangle Cam York and a first, likely No. 22, to make the nine-pick jump for Jackson Smith.

Smith will be worth the trade. He has size, physicality, and skill. Even as a blueliner, Smith is a fantastic puck mover with great hands and skating ability. Most importantly, Smith is still a great defender. Smith is a true two-way defenseman who plays at a high level on both sides of the ice.

Plus, Smith is officially headed to Hockey Valley (Penn State). It would be quite convenient to have a top prospect less than three hours away to keep a good relationship with.

Jackson Smith would be worth trading up for.

Logan Hensler, RD, Wisconsin (NCAA)

Sticking with B1G defenseman, Logan Hensler is another prospect that would be well worth trading up for.

I touched on this in my rankings of ideal options at No. 22. Hensler has become an underrated prospect. I included him in my No. 22 ranking because there is a chance he is available. However, a trade-up would secure it.

Hensler was once considered a top-10 pick, but now is a mid-to-late first-rounder. He still possesses the same skills that made him a highly touted prospect. He plays strong and physical defense, mixed with great skating and offensive production.

His lack of offense in year 1 at Wisconsin likely caused his slide, but he is young and was adjusting. His defense alone would make him worth moving up to draft him.

While the big jump for Smith would be the flashy move, Hensler could be just as efficient at half the cost, with the Flyers needing to trade No. 22 and likely one of their four second-rounders to move up four to five spots for Hensler.

Trade Up from the Edmonton Pick (No. 31 or 32)

Cole Reschny, C, Victoria (WHL), North Dakota Commit (NCAA)

Trading up from the Edmonton pick is sort of a funny range. The Flyers could ultimately end up jumping themselves in the NHL Draft order. However, in some cases, it could be worth it. Drafting Cole Reschny would be one of them.

Reschny was a late riser after the draft combine. He was considered to be a late first-round pick early on, but after a dominant week in Buffalo, his stock skyrocketed. Now, Reschny could be gone by picks Nos. 15-17.

Now, I am not suggesting the Flyers cough up a massive package for a near 15-pick jump to get Reschny. This should be a draft-day move. However, if he comes within striking distance for the No. 31/32 pick, the Flyers should pounce.

Reschny is a skilled two-way center who is fantastic with the puck on his stick. He can go end-to-end like nobody else in this class. His speed is a significant advantage for him both offensively and defensively, and playing in the NCHC will further help him develop that two-way game.

A trade-up for Cole Reschny would be well worth it.