Flyers have a mixed history picking in the top six of the NHL draft

After a disappointing outcome in Monday night's draft lottery, the Flyers have the No. 6 overall pick in June's draft. If the Flyers stay put, it will mark the 12th time they have picked that high in franchise history. Here's a look at players the organization selected the other 11 times it had a top-six pick.

Serge Bernier, No. 5 (1967)

The first draft pick in Flyers history, Bernier, played only one full season with the team, scoring 23 goals in 1970-71. The winger's career took off in the World Hockey Association, where Bernier became a Hall of Famer.

Bob Currier, No. 6 (1969)

Flyers GM Bud Poile selected Currier sixth in 1969, but the center would never play an NHL game. That year's draft wasn't a complete bust for the Flyers, as they'd land all-time leading scorer and franchise icon Bobby Clarke in Round 2.

Mel Bridgman, No. 1 (1975)

The Flyers, who have picked first only once, selected Bridgman after acquiring the pick from Washington. The center was solid over six-plus seasons with the team, tallying 324 points in 464 games and playing in two Stanley Cup Finals.

Behn Wilson, No. 6 (1978)

The Flyers would pick back-to-back in 1978, selecting Wilson sixth and Ken "The Rat" Linseman seventh. Wilson, a defenseman who played five seasons for the team, finished fourth in Calder voting in 1979 and made the All-Star team in 1981.

Ron Sutter, No. 4 (1982)

A member of the famed Sutter family, Ron was a gritty two-way forward who played nine years in Philly after being selected fourth in 1982. He captained the team from 1989-91, and twice scored 20 goals as a Flyer.

Mike Ricci, No. 4 (1990)

Known for his toothless smile, Ricci had a long and successful NHL career (over 1,000 games) after being picked fourth by Philly in 1990. Part of the Eric Lindros blockbuster two years later, he became an elite defensive center in San Jose.

Peter Forsberg, No. 6 (1991)

Speaking of the Lindros trade, Forsberg blossomed into an all-time great, winning an MVP and two Stanley Cups after being jettisoned from Philly. He returned to briefly play for the Flyers from 2005-07, but injuries had taken their toll.

Joni Pitkänen, No. 4 (2002)

Pitkänen's NHL career started like gangbusters, as the Finn quickly established himself as one of the league's top power-play defensemen. But after only three seasons, he was shipped to Edmonton for Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul.

James van Riemsdyk, No. 2 (2007)

The Flyers, who finished last in the NHL in 2006, selected van Riemsdyk one pick after lottery winner Chicago took Patrick Kane. "JVR," who is currently with Columbus, was a solid Flyer over two spells, but his best years came in Toronto.

Nolan Patrick, No. 2 (2017)

The do-over that all Flyers fans wish they had: Patrick's career never materialized, partially due to a migraine disorder. He managed just 197 games (70 points) in Philly, while the three players picked directly after him became All-Stars.

Cutter Gauthier, No. 5 (2022)

The first face of the rebuild, Gauthier quickly became Public Enemy No. 1 in Philly after forcing a trade — without a clear explanation as to why — before ever suiting up for the Flyers. The Anaheim Ducks rookie scored 20 goals this season.

Who will go No. 6 in 2025?

Danny Brière has the No. 6 pick in June's NHL draft and is likely looking for a center. Anton Frondell, Caleb Desnoyers, Jake O'Brien, and Roger McQueen are some of the top center prospects who could be available at that spot. Stay tuned...