James: The Flyers Have to Do What it Takes to Get Pick No. 2

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere speaks during a news conference at the NHL hockey teams' practice facility, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Voorhees, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has made it clear that the second-overall pick is on the table, and the Philadelphia Flyers need to be all over it. If the Sharks do end up trading the pick, and it is not to Philadelphia, they are making a massive mistake.

The Flyers have a massive need for a true top-line center. You can get them through free agency, if they even make it. Or, you could trade just about every asset in your organization for one. But, the most common method of acquiring a top-line center is the draft.

Currently in possession of the No. 6-overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Flyers are in range to draft a center with upside, but no certainty that they will be a a top-line guy at any point in their NHL careers. Jake O’Brien and Caleb Desnoyers are two names that seem to constantly be around when the Flyers pick. Desnoyers could also be picked as high as three, in my opinion, leading to the fall of James Hagens or Anton Frondell.

If the Flyers come out of the draft with one of those four centers, it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. However, neither of those players is expected to fill that 1C hole in the Flyers’ roster, at least anytime soon.

Sure, the Flyers could just wait and see if anyone in that “loaded” 2026 free agent class actually hits the open market. Or, another losing season could bring them a slim chance at winning the Gavin McKenna lottery. However, there is no guarantee there.

Instead, the Flyers should do everything it takes to get the No. 2-overall pick from San Jose and select Michael Misa.

Why Michael Misa

There are a handful of reasons why the Flyers should do what it takes to get Michael Misa–in fact, there are 91 reasons in two seasons, or 209 total reasons. He is an offensive machine; all he does is produce.

The craziest thing: Misa JUST turned 18 in mid-February. Most of that production came before he was even 18.

The 6’1″ center from the Saginaw Spirit (OHL) climbed up draft boards and has positioned himself to be the first forward taken in the draft. That is, assuming Matthew Schaefer goes No. 1.

The Flyers need a player like Misa. He is a dynamic speedster who, despite his youth, is one of the smartest players in this draft class. The combination of his speed and his hockey IQ would make him a thrilling linemate for Matvei Michkov.

Misa has a deep bag. He can be a play-driving center who can move the puck and set his teammates up. Or, he can make things happen himself. His shot is just as good, if not better than, his passing ability.

In my eyes, he is easily the most complete player in this class. Misa is defensively responsible, meaning he is not going to be a liability. However, he can be more than just responsible. Misa has the ability to actually be a threat in the defensive zone. Misa excels on the rush, and most of which begin from his defensive efforts. He could develop into a Selke contender for many years to come.

Another reason I am so high on Misa for the Flyers is that he does not seem too far away from being a legitimate 1C on a contender. He may not be a true top-line center from the get-go; however, in two to three years, he absolutely could be, if not sooner.

Michael Misa is precisely what the Flyers have been searching for. Oh, and by the way, drafting Misa does not stop you from dipping into that 2026 FA class.

What Would the Flyers Need to Give Up to Jump to No. 2?

To make the jump to No. 2, Danny Briere and company will have to cough up some significant assets. The Sharks aren’t going to make a trade just to make the trade; it’ll have to be worth it for them.

The trade package all starts at pick no. 6. The Sharks will definitely require a second first-round pick, and to them, preferably this year. That would mean the Colorado pick (22) or the Edmonton pick (29-32) will also head to San Jose.

Now, here is where things will become interesting. Regarding picks, the Sharks may decide they want more and force the Flyers into trading one of their four second-round picks in the draft. That will all depend on what players head to San Jose in the hypothetical trade.

I saw a mock trade online that included two 2025 first-round picks, a 2025 second-round pick, and Oliver Bonk, among other things. To me, if Bonk were traded, the value would be that of where he was drafted. If they do include Bonk, it would be in place of that second first-round pick.

Cam York could be an enticing option dangled to San Jose. York, a pending RFA, would fit what the Sharks need. The Sharks have gone heavy on their forwards, and could look to add a blueliner that could be around for a while. While he’s been in the league for a little bit now, York is still young and would fit the Sharks’ timeframe.

However, I still think the Flyers keep York around, and could offer up someone like Emil Andrae, or even Egor Zamula. Andrae would be most likely, in my opinion. All three are left-side blueliners, and Andrae and York are both smaller. Andrae leans a little more offensive while York tends to be more of a defender. Zamula, who I don’t think would be of much interest to San Jose, has size, which the Flyers still need.

The Final Offer

When making this trade, I would be less hesitant to overpay than I would in most cases. Misa is a future star, and will be a dominant presence for a long time. Now, the Sharks need to keep it realistic. Don’t think trading Bonk, Jett Luchanko, and two firsts is on the table. However, if the Sharks want a player or prospect, two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and anything else, the Flyers should find a way to make it work. This is the most common and effective way to acquire stars.

It will be expensive, but Michael Misa will solve a lot of problems for the Flyers. The Flyers should be aggressive in an attempt to trade up to the No. 2 pick for the chance to draft him.

If I were Briere, I would offer Emil Andrae, 2025 first-round (No. 6), 2025 first (via EDM), 2025 second (40, via ANA), and whatever other throw-ins wanted, all for the No. 2-overall pick, and the chance to draft Michael Misa.

What would your trade offer look like?