The Philadelphia Flyers continue to monitor the development of several prospects in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) circuits, following recent draft activity and player movement.
Porter Martone, selected sixth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, will leave the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for NCAA hockey at Michigan State University in the 2025-26 season. Despite his departure from the CHL, six Flyers prospects remain active across the OHL, Western Hockey League (WHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Among their recent draft selections is Jack Nesbitt, a center with the Windsor Spitfires (OHL). The Flyers traded up to acquire him with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 Entry Draft. Team officials believed that waiting would risk losing Nesbitt to another club: “Otherwise, the player would have been off the board at 13th (the Nashivlle Predators were set to trade up to that spot) or no later than 15th to the Vancouver Canucks. Consequently, the Flyers were willing to trade a pair of first-round picks (22nd and 31st overall) to get their targeted player 12th.”
Nesbitt had a significant role with Windsor last season but is expected by team management to need more time before making an NHL impact. General manager Daniel Briere and assistant general manager Brent Flahr described his potential as follows: “they see a bonafide middle-six NHL forward down the line: potentially on the higher end of that ceiling. The center brings both nascent all-around skills plus a highly competitive streak.”
Another new prospect is Matthew Gard, drafted in the second round at No. 57 overall from Red Deer Rebels (WHL). Standing at 6-foot-5, Gard plays physically and has shown promise near opponents’ nets. Early assessments point toward him becoming an effective bottom-six forward.
The Flyers also picked Luke Vlooswyk, a defenseman from Red Deer Rebels, in this year’s fifth round (157th overall). Vlooswyk is noted for his size and right-handed shot but remains considered a raw talent who will be tracked over coming seasons.
Nathan Quinn of Quebec Remparts (QMJHL), born August 29, 2007, was among one of youngest players eligible for this year’s draft class due to cutoff dates for eligibility.
From their earlier draft class in 2024 comes Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm/OHL), whose status for next season remains undecided between returning to junior hockey or playing with Philadelphia’s main roster. “The question with Luchanko is whether he will play in the Ontario League or the NHL in 2025-26,” according to team sources.
After spending time with both Guelph Storm and Lehigh Valley Phantoms last year—and missing summer development camp due to injury—he faces restrictions under league rules that prevent him from joining AHL action until his OHL season ends. The revised Collective Bargaining Agreement allowing some exceptions does not begin until after next season.
Spencer Gill was taken as a second-round pick by Philadelphia in 2024 out of Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL). After missing part of last season due to an ankle injury but returning fully healthy this offseason, Gill added muscle mass and earned selection for Team Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase roster. He remains a candidate for Canada’s World Junior Championship squad but faces competition for final selection.
These updates reflect ongoing efforts by Philadelphia management to build depth through CHL prospects while tracking each player’s progress ahead of future seasons.
