Karsen Dorwart, 22, signed a 2yr/$1.95mil entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers (31-37-9). Last Saturday, he made his NHL debut against the Montréal Canadiens.
An undrafted forward, Dorwart centered the fourth line featuring Nicolas Deslauriers and Garnet Hathaway in his debut. Before entering the lineup against the Canadiens, Dorwart, with Michigan State University, competed in the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship Tournament. However, Cornell upset Michigan State University in the first round, tying Dorwart to the Flyers with a handful of games remaining.
At Michigan State University, Dorwart was an alternate captain during his sophomore and junior seasons (2023-2025). The head coach at Michigan State University, Adam Nightingale, put Dorwart in a leadership role in back-to-back seasons because he personified what it meant to be a Spartan. Dorwart is a physical forward, defending aggressively via checking, hitting, and shot-blocking. That was highlighted in 2023-2024 when Dorwart scored the 11th most shorthanded goals in the NCAA. If those concepts personify what it means to be a Spartan, Dorwart might harness a bit of Philadelphia.
Previously, Dorwart attended a Detriot Red Wings development camp, then gained interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs but ultimately returned to Michigan State University.
“I did have some other options, but the interest from the brass, Jonesy [Keith Jones] and Brière [Daniel Brière], they were unbelievable with me all year. They showed a lot of interest, and one thing they had mentioned was opportunity up the middle. For me, as a center, that’s exciting. You got to work hard for everything you’re going to get, but it reminded me a lot of when I first got to MSU [Michigan State University].” – Karsen Dorwart; 4/2/2025
Daniel Brière swooped in at the right time. In 35GP with Michigan State University this season, Dorwart tallied 31 points (13G, 18A) while reducing his penalty minutes and closely matching his point-per-game production from a season ago. In the loss to Cornell, Dorwart put forth a multi-point performance (1G, 1A). The Flyers stumbled upon what could be an effective bottom-six center in their rebuild; Dorwart was one of the best two-way forwards available out of the pool of NCAA free agents.
“Two-way center; I’m responsible [at] both ends of the ice.” – Karsen Dorwart; 4/2/2025
If not Dorwart, then Rodrigo Ābols would be the 4C in the lineup for Philadelphia. Ābols showed his offensive instincts and acumen, but Dorwart is a younger prospect with the same risk-reward. However, Ābols has 22GP in his NHL career, and Dorwart has 1GP. They’re unknown commodities competing in the NHL because the Flyers lack depth down the middle in the forward group.
Next season, Jett Luchanko could join Philadelphia. That’ll help the depth slightly, but the centers are still questionable. Will Noah Cates get paid like a top-six forward? Is Sean Couturier finally regaining his form? How valuable is Ryan Poehling after next season?
On Saturday, Dorwart played 10:31TOI. The Flyers led after two periods, 1-0. Dorwart generated a high-danger scoring chance on a wrap-around attempt, landed a couple of hits, and went 2/5 (40%) at the faceoff dot.
“I found my footing in the beginning. [It’s an] unbelievable atmosphere [the Bell Centre] to have your first game. I got better as the game went on.” – Karsen Dorwart; 4/5/2025
Dorwart put forth an efficient effort in 10:31TOI. If Dorwart can get into the stat sheet before the end of the season, he’ll have everything he needs to carry momentum into the next.
Next, Philadelphia visits Madison Square Garden to face an NHL Metropolitan Division rival, the New York Rangers; it’ll be the first time Dorwart battles a division rival.
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