The Philadelphia Flyers are continuing to focus on developing talent through the NHL Draft, resulting in a growing pool of prospects competing across various leagues, including the NCAA. The organization has recently seen several collegiate players make the transition to professional hockey, such as Alex Bump and Devin Kaplan from the draft, Masssimo Rizzo via trade, and free agent Karsen Dorwart. With changes in college hockey eligibility rules allowing players who received junior hockey stipends or NIL endorsements to play at the collegiate level, the Flyers’ pipeline may expand further.
PhiladelphiaFlyers.com is launching a Prospect Directory series to provide updates on where each draftee will be playing during the 2025-26 season. The first installment highlights those set to compete in NCAA programs.
Among recent draft picks, Porter Martone will join Michigan State University after previously playing for the Brampton Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League. Martone was selected in the first round and plans to focus on improving his skating and defensive play this season. Due to new NCAA eligibility regulations, major junior players like Martone can now participate in college hockey—a shift from past rules that excluded CHL players because of their stipends.
Carter Amico is another notable addition; he joins Boston University following an injury-shortened previous season that impacted his draft position. Amico was chosen 38th overall by the Flyers and will start his freshman year with BU alongside Jack Murtagh, another USNTDP product picked 40th overall.
Shane Vansaghi, also drafted in 2025 (48th overall), will continue at Michigan State as a sophomore winger. Known for his physical style of play, Vansaghi adds depth to MSU’s roster along with Martone.
From earlier drafts, Heikki Ruohonen begins his freshman year at Harvard after a strong showing with Dubuque Fighting Saints and Team Finland at international tournaments. Cole Knuble is expected to turn professional after completing his junior year at Notre Dame; he had a standout season last year and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award. Knuble is also recognized as the son of former Flyer Mike Knuble.
Ryan MacPherson looks to increase his role at the University of New Hampshire after limited appearances last season following time with Penticton Vees in junior A hockey.
Additionally, Noah Powell started last season at Ohio State but moved mid-year to play major junior hockey with Oshawa Generals. Austin Moline spent last year with Madison Capitols in the USHL and plans one more season there before heading to Colorado College for 2026-27.
The Flyers’ approach aligns with broader trends in player development among NHL teams seeking long-term success through cultivating young talent via collegiate and other developmental leagues.
