Flyers Show Interest in NHL Draft Prospect Who Draws Comparison to Sam Bennett
While many Philadelphia Flyers fans are eager for the team to sign a player like Florida Panthers’ star Sam Bennett in free agency, the Flyers might instead look to secure a younger, more affordable version through the draft.
Reports suggest Bennett, who is currently the top goal scorer in the NHL playoffs, could command a lucrative contract worth up to $10 million annually on the open market.
However, given that the Flyers are still in a rebuilding phase, such an acquisition wouldn’t align with their long-term strategy, even with increased cap space. At 29, Bennett would become the Flyers’ highest-paid player at that price, despite never having scored 30 goals in a regular season and only reaching 51 points as his career-high.
The 2025 NHL Draft, though, could offer the Flyers a younger, more budget-friendly option with a similar skill set to Bennett’s.
At the NHL Scouting Combine on Friday, top draft prospect Brady Martin shared that he’d met with the Flyers over dinner, signaling strong interest from the team. Martin, 18, drew a self-comparison to Bennett, describing himself as a “hybrid” between Bennett and Tom Wilson.
Martin, who recently completed his second full season with the Soo Greyhounds, recorded 33 goals, 39 assists, and 72 points in 57 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he tallied two goals and two assists in five games. His performance at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he netted three goals, eight assists, and 11 points, earned him a Gold medal and an All-Star team spot. This tournament helped catapult him to the top of many draft boards, with the Flyers reportedly among those interested.
The 6-foot center is expected to be available when the Flyers pick at No. 6. His draft ranking varies, with some experts placing him as high as sixth and others as low as 28th. While he may not be the most naturally gifted player available, Martin brings a combination of intangibles, intensity, and physicality that fits the Flyers’ needs. New head coach Rick Tocchet, known for valuing those traits, could see Martin as an ideal addition to the roster.
With the Flyers’ emphasis on these qualities, Martin could prove to be a key target in the upcoming draft.
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