Flyers Draft Center KJ Sauer in Fifth Round of 2026 Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers used their penultimate selection in the 2026 NHL Draft on center KJ Sauer with the 136th overall pick.

The nephew of former NHL defenseman Kurt Sauer, KJ is a big-bodied centre standing in at 6’3” and 203 pounds while also carrying a right-handed shot.

The Andover, Minnesota native played his draft season with Andover High School as well as the Lincoln Stars in the USHL, where he collected 8 goals and 25 points in 15 games for the former and 5 points in 5 games for the latter.

Sauer is expected to play for the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League in the fall after the club acquired his rights from the Penticton Vees in May.

Similar to some of their previous picks from this year’s draft, Sauer profiles as a rough and tumble forward who uses his size to his advantage. Elite Prospects described him as a “violent checking forward with a net front game, size, and developing athleticism. The checking mechanics are pretty advanced – stick on puck, timing angles, and finishing violently through the body.”

The 18-year-old was ranked as the 92nd-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. He was also ranked 98th by McKeen Hockey and 128th by Elite Prospects, which fits around where the Flyers selected him.