Flyers Trade Up; Draft Jack Nesbitt at No. 12

The Philadelphia Flyers needed size and physicality, and they double-dipped in the 2025 NHL Draft. After selecting Porter Martone sixth overall, the Flyers traded up with cross-state rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins, to select Jack Nesbitt, a center from the Windsor Spitfires (OHL).

Nesbitt was not on my radar as a 10-20 pick, but he surely checks a box for the Flyers. In fact, they must have believed it after trading picks No. 22 and No. 31 to Pittsburgh to select Nesbitt at No. 12.

For Windsor this season, Nesbitt tallied 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points in 65 games. Nesbitt also appeared in the men’s World U18s, where he tallied five points on two goals and three assists in six games.

He is a BIG center. Coming in at 6’4″ and 185+ pounds, Nesbitt uses his size and frame to play a strong and physical brand of hockey. His shot is strong, and when dialed, can be a thing of danger.

He has speed and puck skill, but could use some work on his skating ability. He has second-line center upside, but his strength and physical game alone should find him some stability in the NHL.

Nesbitt plays a solid two-way game and is someone who can be in all of the right places on all 200 feet of the ice.

The Flyers definitely reached a bit for Nesbitt. I firmly believe they could have landed Nesbitt at No. 22, if not 31. However, Briere and Co. had to have heard something if they felt the need to move up for Nesbitt. They clearly wanted him, so the Flyers moved up for their guy.

He will certainly be a project, but with some development, Nesbitt could be a steal.

Welcome to Philadelphia, Jack.