Flyers draft Max Laatikainen in final pick of 2026 NHL Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers have concluded the 2026 NHL Draft by selecting Max Laatikainen, a 6'0" defenseman from Finland, with the 213th pick in the seventh round. Laatikainen, 17 years old and the youngest player in the draft class, was chosen after General Manager Danny Briere's strategy to add a puck-moving defenseman, following the trade of Emil Andrae. Laatikainen is noted for his smooth skating and puck-moving ability, though his future in the NHL remains uncertain due to concerns about his size and physicality. This selection marks the end of the Flyers' draft activity this year.

• 8:24 PMYahoo Sports — Flyers Wrap Up 2026 NHL Draft With Finnish Defenseman