Philadelphia Flyers fans hoping to see Jett Luchanko get a nine-game trial run and NHL debut at the start of the 2024-25 season have some hope, though it’s not much.
Flyers assistant general manager Brent Flahr wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Luchanko getting that trial run on Sunday, but was careful to note that the possibility is more unlikely than likely.
Luchanko, who just turned 18 years old only three weeks ago, was drafted 13th overall by the Flyers in the 2024 NHL Draft in June.
“You can always talk about it. You know, me personally, that’s obviously up to (John Tortorella) and (Luchanko’s) performance,” Flahr said on Sunday afternoon. “That’s a big stretch, but I guess it’s possible. Like, I wouldn’t say no.
“We’re more worried about the player at 22, 23, more so than 18. He’s here to make the team. That’s his mentality, so that’s great. Certainly not going to tell him anything different.”
Since being drafted by the Flyers, Luchanko has immediately stepped in and taken over the throne (if there ever was one) as the Flyers’ top center prospect. In just two Rookie Series games against the baby New York Rangers, Luchanko has flexed his wheels, playmaking instincts, and defensive details.
His ability to win pucks along the boards was all the difference on Saturday night, as the London, Ont., native was able to dish a puck back to defenseman Emil Andrae, who waited out the whole building before setting up Samu Tuomaala for the overtime winner over the Rangers at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA.
That play was just a microcosm of what the Flyers are hoping Luchanko can achieve at the NHL level on a nightly basis.
It was also worth noting that Luchanko and linemate Elliot Desnoyers were joined by AHL forward Matt Miller on Saturday and were much worse offensively compared to when they had Matvei Michkov with them on Friday.
That’s nothing against Miller, who is an effective bottom-six player in the right situation.
Right now, it’s clear that Luchanko, who recorded an assist in each Rookie Series game, needs to play with offensive-minded players to unlock and develop his skills in the opposing end of the ice. Will he get that with the Guelph Storm in the OHL? Would he get that in a few games with the Flyers at the start of the season?
Those are questions Flyers management appears to at least be considering ahead of the start of the NHL preseason and training camp.
