The Philadelphia Flyers have been turning heads this season, riding a wave of momentum all the way to the second round of the playoffs. But while the present is exciting, the front office is keeping one eye firmly on the future. With the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on the horizon, the Flyers are poised to add another key piece to their growing pipeline.

According to Scott Wheeler's latest mock draft for The Athletic, the Flyers are projected to select defenseman Juho Piiparinen with their first-round pick. It's a move that checks a lot of boxes for a team looking to shore up its blue line for years to come.

Piiparinen is a 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman—a combination that NHL teams covet. Known for his steady, reliable defensive play, the Finnish blueliner brings a physical presence and a solid hockey IQ. While he may not be the flashiest pick, his upside as a potential top-four defenseman makes him an intriguing target for Philadelphia.

This season, Piiparinen logged 29 games with Tappara in Finland's top-tier Liiga, posting three assists and a plus-6 rating. He also suited up for 15 games with Tappara's U20 squad, where he showed offensive flashes with one goal and 13 points. That blend of defensive reliability and developing offensive game is exactly what teams look for in a first-round prospect.

For the Flyers, who are seeking help on the right side of their blue line, Piiparinen could be a perfect fit. Big, right-shot defensemen don't come around often, and adding one with his potential could pay dividends down the road. If the draft board falls this way, don't be surprised to see Philadelphia lock in on this steady Finnish defender.