On the second day of the 2026 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers executed five picks that underscored a clear emphasis on strengthening their defensive core and goaltending depth.
The first of those choices was Brek Liske, a 6‑foot‑2 right‑handed defenseman whose blend of size, defensive acumen and puck‑moving ability made him an attractive mid‑round prospect.
Shortly after, the club selected Martin Psohlavec, a big‑bodied and athletic goaltender who represents the first net‑minder the Flyers have drafted since 2023, signaling a renewed investment in the crease.
Goaltending depth expands
The Flyers added another goaltender, Marek Sklenicka, in the fourth round; his butterfly style, combined with notable size and athleticism, offers a complementary profile to Psohlavec.
In the fifth round, the team took a chance on KJ Sauer, a Minnesota high‑school standout whose promising skill set was tempered by a history of injuries and a limited sample size at the professional level.
The draft concluded with the selection of Max Laatikainen, a Finnish right‑handed defenseman whose smaller frame and less physical style are offset by a track record of success in international competition.
What the grade means
Analysts have graded the Flyers’ Day 2 haul a B‑, noting that while the talent pool is promising, the true impact will depend on development trajectories and how quickly these prospects can translate to the AHL or NHL.
The organization’s scouting network highlighted the selected players as fitting a broader strategy that blends size, skill and international experience, aiming to future‑proof the roster against evolving offensive trends.