The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is going to be here before we know it. The scouting combine took place in Buffalo this past weekend, and we’re starting to get some post-combine mock drafts based on the information learned there.
How much that information ultimately ends up factoring into teams’ decisions or not is another story, but the Philadelphia Flyers have been consistent in drafting based on at least one combine test.
The Flyers have the 21st overall pick in this year’s NHL Draft. After getting the sixth pick and then trading up to 12 last year, Danny Briere & Co. are slotted to pick in the latter half of the first round after winning a round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There is always a chance that they trade the pick, but let’s take a look at who some of the draft experts have the Flyers taking at No. 21.
NHL.com – Adam Kimelman, Mike G. Morreale (June 8)
Kimelman — Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr. (SWE-JR.): The Flyers have selected a center in the top two rounds four times in the past two years, but they could look to further strengthen that position if Command is available here. He plays a high-compete, 200-foot game and never takes a shift off. He’s smart, solid and a strong skater who can be relentless on the forecheck, with an edge that is reminiscent of former Flyers center Scott Laughton.
Morreale — Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL): The Flyers could use more high-end forward talent in their pipeline, especially down the middle, and Hextall fits that need well. The right-handed shot had 58 points (20 goals, 38 assists) in 59 games this season. Hextall (6-foot, 188) is considered a playmaker, and the 18-year-old has taken significant strides since the start of the season, becoming more efficient and polished with the puck. Hextall creates separation with his smooth edgework, finding open lanes and developing into a more consistent scoring threat as the season progressed. He’s committed to Michigan State next season.
It’s no surprise to see the Flyers mocked to take a center by both Kimelman and Morreale at NHL.com.
Command sounds like a Flyers pick, and Hextall even more so. Outside of the familial connection, Philadelphia seems to like this kind of player in recent years.
On Elite Prospects’ consolidated ranking, which takes the composite of various experts, Command is at 26, and Hextall is at 32, so these would be reaches based on that. That wouldn’t be too surprising given the selections of Jett Luchanko and Jack Nesbitt in the last two drafts.
theScore – Josh Wegman, Kyle Cushman (June 8)
Brooks Rogowski (C, Oshawa Generals)
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 236 pounds, Rogowski is a behemoth on the ice, though he moves surprisingly well for his size. Teams will hope he can become a unique middle-six piece.
Rogowski just screams Flyers. He has a large frame and can already skate fairly well. He’d add another big center to the pipeline alongside Nesbitt.
He’s ranked 28th on EP’s consolidated ranking, but some are more skeptical of him. Button has him ranked 57th, and a few other outlets have him in the 40s.
Bleacher Report – Joe Yerdon (June 7)
21. Philadelphia Flyers: Alexander Command, C, Orebro HK (SHL)
Another pick of Command by Bleacher Report’s Joe Yerdon.
The Swedish center is ranked as highly as 10th (Hockey Prospect Radio) and 13th (Craig Button), but as low as 35th (Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News) and 37th (Smaht Scouting). He should be taken at some point in the first round.
Daily Faceoff – Steven Ellis (June 4)
21. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Suvanto, C (Tappara, Liiga)
The Flyers love drafting big dudes, and the 6-foot-3 Suvanto would be a good fit. Suvanto spent most of the season playing against men in Tappara, where he has shown he can play a reliable two-way game. I wish we saw him put up better numbers against junior-aged players, though. Still, I really like his play away from the puck, and I thought he looked solid at the World Juniors in a variety of roles. I think we’re talking about a big, middle-six guy here, but I want him to find another gear offensively.
Yet another center that fits the Flyers’ type. A big body with a strong two-way game that should be a middle-six center, but doesn’t necessarily have that top-line upside.
Suvanto comes in at 16th on EP’s consolidated ranking, and is ranked by everyone in the top 28.
The Athletic – Corey Pronman (June 1)
21. Philadelphia Flyers: Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown (USHL)
Philadelphia continues to build its young center depth with this pick. Hextall is a highly intelligent, diligent pivot who’s a slick playmaker with excellent offensive sense. He doesn’t shy away from going into traffic to make plays. Though his skating doesn’t stand out and he hasn’t been a prolific scorer, his strong two-way detail makes him a very safe bet to be a useful pro down the middle for the Flyers.
And another pick of Hextall by Corey Pronman. Although this mock draft was published a week prior to most of the others, Pronman is one of the most prominent experts we’re looking at here.
Hextall sits at 32nd in EP’s consolidated ranking, though. His biggest supporters only have him at 18 (Dobber Prospects) and 20 (Ferrari). Meanwhile, he bottoms out at 64th (Hockey Prospects Radio), but everyone else has him at least in the top 39.
This feels like a very safe, very Flyers pick.
All in all, while there’s no true consensus, the experts certainly expect the Flyers to take a center. Command and Hextall are safer projections; hence, each player being mocked twice, with Suvanto possibly being selected before 21, and Rogowski potentially being another reach.
There are still a few weeks before the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, so things can change, but these are a few names to keep an eye on as potential future Flyers.
