Philadelphia Flyers Aim to Draft More Goalies for Future Success

The Philadelphia Flyers are prioritizing their future by looking to draft more goalies in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. Following the recent trade of their third-round pick, along with Emil Andrae and Sam Ersson, to the Toronto Maple Leafs for goalie Joseph Woll and defenseman Simon Benoit, the Flyers now hold only four draft picks: a first, second, sixth, and seventh-round selection. Despite the depletion of their middle-round picks, Flyers general manager Danny Briere expressed a desire to add another goalie prospect. The organization has not drafted a goalie since 2023, when they selected Carson Bjarnason and Egor Zavragin. Briere noted that while they would like to draft a goalie, they will not force it if a better player is available at a different position. Currently, the Flyers have Woll and Dan Vladar in their primes, while young prospects like Bjarnason and Aleksei Kolosov are developing in the AHL. With the uncertainty surrounding their long-term goalie situation, adding young talent at this position is seen as a smart strategy. Assistant general manager Brent Flahr emphasized the importance of timing in drafting goalies, stating that sometimes they fall into place, and it's crucial to select them when the opportunity arises. The Flyers' history of drafting goalies has been sparse, with the last selection being Roddy Ross in 2019, who never signed with the team. As they prepare for the draft, the Flyers are keen on enhancing their goaltending depth for future seasons.