The plan is to not only get good but stay good. It’s certainly nothing new. The Flyers have been talking about this for a year or two, which is why they have put such an emphasis on their development system. General manager Daniel Briere has made it a point to not only stockpile draft picks but ha ng onto those young players with the intention of getting them to become future Flyers. Brent Flahr, Briere’s assistant GM, oversees the scouting department and he plays a big role in not only the acquisition of budding talent but keeping an eye on their progress as well. In putting together a list of the team’s top half-dozen prospects at “winter’s halfway point,” we relied on Flahr’s knowledge and expertise for ranking and background. 1. Porter Martone, RW, Michigan State, Big 10: Some NHL teams had him ranked as high as top three so when Martone fell in the Flyers’ lap at No. 6 in last year’s draft, corks were popping. Martone is a gritty guy who has great potential offensively but also leads the entire NCAA in penalty minutes, which should sit well with the Broad Street Bullies believers down at Xfinity Mobile Arena. He’s already won a Big 10 player of the week honor. “It’s a big jump to college hockey but he’s a pretty confident kid,” Flahr said. “He’s worked hard off the ice to prepare because he knew it was going to be a challenge for him. College hockey forces him to move his feet, play at a higher pace. For him to come out of the gates, going like he is [27 points in 20 games], it’s a real positive. It’s a good development year for him for sure.” Czechia goalie Michal Orsulak makes a save on a shot by Canada forward Jett Luchanko during an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship semifinals game, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn) 2. Jett Luchanko, C, Brantford, OHL: A first-round pick in 2024, he’s started each of the last two seasons with the Flyers and the trials have given him a taste of the NHL. He was traded from non-contending Guelph to a strong Brantford team. Scouts like his poise in tight areas. Just those two stints with the Flyers have shown team officials he’s close to being ready. “NHL coaches are attracted by his speed and his attention to details,” Flahr said. “He’s always smart defensively. Getting traded to Brantford, probably the top team in Canada, will be a good experience for him. There are expectations to win every night. And you’re getting the other team’s best. Any time you have a chance to win it all, I think it’s a great learning experience.” 3. Oliver Bonk, D, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL: It doesn’t hurt to have been a member of the London Knights, who won the Memorial Cup the past two seasons. And it doesn’t hurt to have a dad by the name of Radek, who lit up the NHL for the better part of a decade, either. Bonk has all the tools to follow in his dad’s skatetracks. He thinks the game well and has the physical tools to back that up. “I think he’s a leader,” Flahr said. “Even stepping in as a first-year guy [with the Phantoms]. You can tell he has a presence. Confident, knows how to play the game, knows what it takes to win. Missed a lot of training last summer [due to injury] but his ability to play the game really stands out.” 4. Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor, OHL: He’s been a key part of the Spitfires’ success. His 51.4-percent faceoff success rate makes him attractive for key situations, like late in close games. Scouting report says he has a high hockey IQ, excels at both ends of the rink plus a strong net-front presence. “He’s got some fire to him and that’s part of the package that was really attractive for us,” Flahr said. “He’s got a skill set, but he’s going to take a little bit longer than some with his body type and frame. In his mind, he wants to get there tomorrow. So he’s working hard, putting on weight, getting stronger. Plays in all situations for Windsor and that’s good for him.” 5. Alex Bump, LW, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, AHL: Currently ranks second on the team in scoring. He’s been considered for a possible callup to the Flyers if injuries start to really pile up. His final season at Western Michigan he had 47 points in 42 games. “He’s going to be someone who we feel will be a big part of our future, hopefully,” Flahr said. “He can score goals; has a little bit of a swagger out there that you can’t teach. He’s got size. Maybe put a little too much pressure on himself in [training] camp. But went down with the right attitude.” Sweden’s Jack Berglund, 26, shoots on Czechia goaltender Michal Orsulak during the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship final in St. Paul on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP) 6. Jack Berglund, C, Farjestad, Swedish Jr. He’s only 19 years old and he’s already 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. The bird dogs who watch him play on a consistent basis rave about his penalty killing and play in the defensive zone. That size also comes handy in front of the net. “He had an exceptional World Juniors,” Flahr said. “Captain of the Swedish team what won it and he was a big part of it. Big power center, very good defensively, plays in the trenches He has a game we feel really translates well to the NHL game.” Wayne Fish is a freelance writer. Follow his coverage at www.flyingfishhockey.com ...read more read less