Flyers Could Take Advantage of Desperate Islanders with a Draft Day Surprise

Flyers Could Take Advantage of Desperate Islanders with a Draft Day Surprise

The Islanders have their eyes set on James Hagens, but just how far are they willing to go to land him?

Heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, the Islanders are locked in on selecting Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick. However, they’re not stopping there—they’re also eager to snag the hometown talent, James Hagens. After acquiring the 16th and 17th overall picks in the Noah Dobson trade, the Islanders now have the extra ammunition to potentially move up in the draft. But what role do the Flyers play in all of this?

It’s clear the Islanders are determined to get Hagens. Every team in the league knows it. However, moving into the top 10 won’t come cheap, and it’s almost certain that the Islanders will need to part with a roster player to make the jump. That’s where the Flyers could capitalize.

One name circulating in trade rumors is Mathew Barzal. Barzal struggled with injuries this past season, playing only 30 games, but when healthy, he’s one of the league’s fastest skaters and has been a consistent producer with over 50 points in six of his eight seasons. He’s even eclipsed 80 points twice, most recently in the 2023-24 season. However, his faceoff percentage (42.3%) leaves something to be desired, and he’s occasionally played on the wing as well.

The big question is whether the Islanders would be willing to part with Barzal. Unless they decide to rebuild, it’s unlikely that Barzal would be on the move. GM Mathieu Darche has reportedly assured Barzal he won’t be traded, making a deal unlikely unless something irresistible comes up.

If Barzal isn’t on the table, the Islanders might consider younger players like Simon Holmstrom, who’s not a center but has shown steady improvement. Coming off a 20-goal, 45-point season, Holmstrom is an RFA this offseason and could be signed for a reasonable contract—likely in the $2-3 million range.

The Flyers may still need to offer something of their own if a trade were to happen. After the Islanders moved on from Dobson, could they be interested in someone like Cam York? Or would they prefer a young winger with upside like Bobby Brink? Could the Flyers’ sixth overall pick be enough to make the deal work?

While this is all purely speculative, it’s a possibility worth dreaming about. In all likelihood, the Islanders will target other teams like Utah or Nashville to ensure they land Hagens. But it’s fun to imagine what could happen if the Flyers get in on the action.