There is a meat-and-potatoes style of hockey player in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and his name is Jack Murtagh.
The young American center out of the United States National Development Program has built a steady resume supported by the notion that he is just as solid as a hockey prospect can get. Nothing flashy, nothing that will make the scouting world on Twitter go bananas, but just someone so projectable it’s not even funny.
He can shoot, he can skate, he can put in the effort in all three zones. There is just something very dependable about what Murtagh can possibly be in the NHL. And with a future commitment to Boston University next season, he will grow all of those attributes even further.
Pre-draft rankings
No. 30 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
No. 28 by Elite Prospects
No. 19 by FC Hockey
No. 29 by Daily Faceoff
No. 26 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Bio
DOB: August 22, 2007
Birthplace: East Greenbush, NY
Position: Center/Left wing
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 198lbs
Shoots: Left
Statistics
What’s there to like?
Do you want someone that you can depend on in every situation? Do you want a center who doesn’t lack size? Do you want a hockey player that is more athlete than magician? Do you want a level of certainty when it comes to making your selections in the NHL Entry Draft? Well, Jack Murtagh might just be your favorite prospect ever.
There is a level of comfortability to Murtagh’s game. He can score from mid-range or be that net-front presence on the power play, and shoot the puck with a decent amount of power either from a standing position with a one-timer, or in motion.
Murtagh’s entire game is propelled by a very strong skating base. Everything he does is because of the power that he can get out of his legs and just pump past opponents. At times, it looks like he’s a man playing amongst boys with the national program and it’s not just because of his frame. He puts in a whole lot of effort and drive into the majority of his shifts to just bully opponents.
The general make-up of Murtagh’s profile is built around just being a solid hockey player. Nothing flashy or too otherworldly, but just someone who you could see playing on NHL third or fourth lines for the next 15 years and be moved around at future trade deadlines as that final piece of the puzzle for contending teams’ depth. Maybe it’s just a Garnet Hathaway-esque career as his floor, but that is still a solid contributor overall. The ceiling is obviously a little more, but we can’t see it getting too high.
What’s not to like?
With a limited ceiling and being projectable as someone just solid, there is a bit of a letdown when it comes to Murtagh. He seems perfectly capable of driving a line and being able to play playoff minutes in those tough environments, but as a first-round pick, there is a lack of pizazz. Of course, that’s not all that hockey is about.
So, when it comes to the negatives it really is just the fact that Murtagh has no specific calling card that will carry him out of tough situations. While other prospects have speed or power or stickhandling or their shot, Murtagh is just capable doing those things well but not well enough that can be leaned upon. All of that and maybe the playmaking could do with a little bit of help. A good skater and shooter, but overall creation of scoring chances is a little lacking.
How would he fit in the Flyers’ system?
Murtagh would supply a level of stability to the Flyers’ prospect pool. While some of Philadelphia’s key prospects like Jett Luchanko and Denver Barkey have a bit of a wider spectrum when it comes to what they can be in the NHL — either they can be top-six contributors or might just be solid depth and role players — Murtagh is almost guaranteed to be fairly comfortable as a third-line option with possibly some upside to play in the top six, in a pinch.
It’s safety over upside, ultimately.
Could the Flyers actually get him?
Unless a team absolutely falls in love with the idea of Murtagh securely playing in their bottom six for the next decade and said team was not very good but still made the playoffs, the Flyers can nab him. With the 22nd overall pick, it’s a little rich. Especially considering the several picks in the first 48 selections the Flyers have, swings must be made and Murtagh feels like the most sacrifice bunt type of player in the draft class. He’s perfectly fine, but maybe at 31st or 32nd overall selection, or even at the top half of the second round, it would feel like a more justifiable range. A head nodding in approval type of pick.
What scouts are saying
“Much like several of his peers from this year’s NTDP, Murtagh may not possess a particularly high ceiling, but he brings a well-rounded, responsible game that could translate effectively to the NHL. He plays with structure and intelligence, showing a strong understanding of positioning and situational awareness—especially in tight-checking, low-space environments that mirror the demands of pro-level hockey.
His comfort in physical, tightly contested games is one of his most projectable traits. He doesn’t panic under duress and plays a north-south style that allows him to be effective in a variety of roles. Whether as a checking-line winger or a depth piece who can chip in with smart, mistake-free minutes, Murtagh has the kind of mature, system-friendly game that NHL teams often look for in the later stages of the first round of the draft.
While he didn’t stand out as an elite stickhandler, he showcased quick hands to avoid stick checks, extend plays, and move the puck into better areas. His shot carries a lot of power, especially on his one-timers. Away from the puck, he positions himself well in open space and occasionally goes to the net front to serve as a screen. Overall, he is a well-rounded offensive player both with and without the puck.”
—Kyle Pereira, FC Hockey
“Murtagh’s a strong skater and athlete who can play through strong strides and push tempo in straight lines, or round corners with speed to get to his spots. He’s got a dangerous and deceptive in-motion NHL release, which he hides well pre-shot, and a comfortable and confident one-timer. He plays the game with intention offensively and a desire to score and make a difference in the offensive zone. He’ll make power moves and likes the wraparound play. I think he’s got the tools to become a stronger defensive player, too, because of his athleticism, strength and skating. I’ve seen him make skill plays and score big goals. He’s confident on the attack and will try to go right at guys. He carries a lot of pucks through neutral ice and pushes through bumps and contact. He’s not a perfect player but I’ve got time for him and his makeup, and he’s undoubtedly got pro attributes and a pro build. I think he could be a bit of a sleeper if he lingers in the second round.”
—Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“Murtagh is the kind of player NHL teams were searching for at the trade deadline this year. He’s a physical forward who makes himself noticeable with his relentless compete.”
—Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
Another Jack is coming to the draft board. Windsor Spitfires bigman Jack Nesbitt has been added to the poll!
“Nesbitt has grown tall in his youth and has loads of room to add more weight and strength to his frame. It’s impossible to teach size, and Nesbitt has it in spades. He approaches the game with a combination of power and skill.”
—Jason Bukala, Sportsnet
