Devin Kaplan To Make Flyers Debut; What He Brings To Team

The 21-year-old forward from Bridgewater, NJ, just wrapped up a strong junior season at Boston University, a run that ended with a heartbreaking loss in NCAA DI men's ice hockey national championship game to Western Michigan, a team that included fellow Flyers prospect Alex Bump.

But Kaplan didn't let us the sting of defeat linger for long. Within days, he was officially a pro, burning the first year of his entry-level deal by joining the Flyers immediately. Now, he's skating onto NHL ice for the very first time.

What Devin Kaplan Brings Now—and Later

For fans who may be unfamiliar with Kaplan’s game, here’s the short version: he’s a 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-shot winger who plays a direct, north-south game with bite.

He’s physical, responsible defensively, and isn’t afraid to engage in the dirty areas of the ice. And while his offensive numbers won’t necessarily jump off the page—he posted 18 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in 38 games this season—they don’t tell the whole story.

Kaplan is the kind of player who affects the game in ways that go beyond the stat sheet. He’s relentless on the forecheck, he makes smart plays along the wall, and he’s known for a work ethic that coaches love. Think of him as a potential Swiss Army knife: not someone you build your top six around just yet, but a guy who can thrive in a variety of roles and earn trust quickly.

He’ll almost certainly start in a limited role tonight, maybe even on the fourth line with some sheltered minutes, but don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it. Whether it’s finishing a check, winning a puck battle, or crashing the net for a greasy rebound, Kaplan knows how to leave an impression.

A Glimpse Into the Flyers’ Youth Movement

Kaplan’s debut is more than a feel-good story—it’s another mile marker on the Flyers’ road toward a new era. With young players like Matvei Michkov, Bobby Brink, and Tyson Foerster already showing flashes of brilliance, and other prospects like Bump, Denver Barkey, and Jett Luchanko still waiting in the wings, Kaplan joins a growing group of young talent poised to reshape the organization.

The decision to burn a year of Kaplan’s contract by playing him now is telling. The Flyers want to give him a taste of the NHL right away, not only as a reward for his work at BU, but as a head start for training camp in the fall. It’s a message: we see you, we believe in you, now show us what you can do.

And if all goes well, Kaplan could very well carve out a role for himself—especially with the Flyers needing to fill out their bottom six with cost-effective, energetic players who play the right way.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

Kaplan will step onto the ice tonight at KeyBank Center wearing orange and black for the very first time, likely with nerves buzzing and adrenaline surging. It’s a small moment in the grand scheme of the NHL season, but for Kaplan and the people closest to him, it’s the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and belief.

It’s also a signal to Flyers fans that the future isn’t just a concept—it’s happening, now. One new name, one new face, one new jersey number at a time.

So, keep an eye on No. 12 tonight. Devin Kaplan’s journey with the Flyers is just getting started—and if he’s anything like the player he’s shown himself to be so far, it’s going to be one worth watching.