Thomas Vanek

As we prepare for the start of the NHL Draft, we are providing this preview from the Flyers perspective, looking at targets with the fifth overall pick, a recent history of the fifth overall pick, and the possibility of the Flyers trading the pick.

The Flyers finished with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft following the two draft lottery drawings.

The Flyers won in overtime, 6-5. In the end, it doesn't matter how the points come, as long as they keep coming. But against the lowly Red Wings, this was a game that the Flyers needed to lock down and didn't do it. Sure, they survived, but it sets the stage for a difficult game to come on Sunday in the back end of a home-and-home.

GM Ron Hextall has talked about wanting to add a veteran forward and veteran defenseman to the lineup. The Flyers certainly have room in their bottom-six group of forwards and definitely can improve on the blue line. Here are few targets in free agency among forwards and defensemen.