Flyers add Finnish forward in fifth round of NHL Draft

With the 132nd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers added a promising offensive talent to their pipeline, selecting Max Westergård, a left-shot winger from Frölunda HC of the SHL and J20 Nationell.

Westergård, born in Tampere, Finland, may not have had the same spotlight as some of his first four-round peers, but his combination of hockey sense, speed, and offensive creativity made him one of the more intriguing value picks available on Day 2 of the draft.

Junior Production & Pro Experience

At just 17 years old and one of the youngest players in this year’s class, Westergård put up 19 goals and 31 assists in 41 games for Frölunda’s junior team — a 1.22 points-per-game pace that ranked ahead of several top Swedish prospects. His performance earned him a late-season call-up to the SHL, one of Europe’s most competitive professional leagues.

Though he was held off the scoresheet in four regular-season games, Westergård made his mark during Frölunda’s playoff run, tallying 1 goal and 2 assists in 11 postseason games. That production made him just the sixth U18 player in SHL history to record at least three playoff points — joining elite company that includes Rasmus Dahlin, Kevin Fiala, and Alexander Steen.

Strengths: Vision, Speed, and Hockey IQ

Westergård’s greatest strengths lie in his offensive instincts and ability to create space with and without the puck. His vision and passing allow him to find teammates in high-danger areas, while his quick acceleration and edge work make him a threat in transition. He’s effective as both a playmaker and a secondary scoring option, especially when driving play through the middle or cutting in from the wing.

Scouts have also praised his motor and competitiveness, often describing him as a player who battles along the boards and works hard on the backcheck despite being slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds.

Areas to Develop: Physicality and Defensive Details

While Westergård doesn’t shy away from contact, he still needs to bulk up to consistently handle pro-level competition. His defensive positioning and physical engagement are also areas that need refinement, though his high compete level suggests he’s capable of learning and adjusting.

As Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff noted, “There are a lot of good habits — he’s always driving to the net — but where things fall apart is when he needs to play any form of defensive hockey.”

Projection and Timeline

Westergård will likely stay in Sweden for the foreseeable future, developing within Frölunda’s highly regarded system. With continued physical growth and refinement in his two-way game, he could emerge as a bottom-six NHL winger with offensive upside — possibly someone who contributes to special teams down the line.

Expect a 2–3 year timeline before he seriously contends for a role in North America, likely beginning in the AHL with Lehigh Valley.

NHL Comparison

A stylistic comparison could be made to someone like Jesper Fast — a hard-working, intelligent winger who can chip in offensively and be trusted in all situations. Westergård’s skating may give him a slightly higher ceiling if the rest of his game comes together.

Bottom Line

The Flyers used their fifth-round pick on a player who flew under the radar for some teams but boasts legitimate upside. Max Westergård brings a blend of creativity, speed, and compete that fits today’s NHL, and with proper development, he could prove to be a steal from the 2025 class.