After a day off, the Philadelphia Flyers returned to the ice to resume training camp. However, today had a different feel.
Instead of three teams, the Flyers trimmed to two groups in training camp. Five players returned to their junior league teams in the OHL, WHL, or QMJHL. Nine other teammates are on reassignment to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL.
Most everything remained status quo for Philadelphia in training camp.
Reducing the training camp roster by 14 players put Flyers down to 44 on the ice. A few victims of the first roster cuts made honorable impressions in rookie and training camp. Sawyer Boulton was a wrecking ball in the 2024 Rookie Series versus the New York Rangers. Carson Bjarnason improved since development camp, and Sam Hillebrandt helped push the Rangers to the limit, taking the 2024 Rookie Series to a shootout and into overtime on back-to-back nights. Spencer Gill was very active versus New York, notching an assist and winning board battles to earn extra possessions, resulting in a last-minute equalizer from Massimo Rizzo after Emil Andrae and Oliver Bonk worked together to put the initial shot on goal for the game-tying rebound.
But, a few skaters are still fighting for their place in Philadelphia. Olle Lycksell already dressed in two preseason games, looking at his best against the Washington Capitals. Adam Ginning continues to earn an extra look from the Flyers and is separating from his linemate from last season, Ronnie Attard. Then there is Jett Luchanko, who could be the training camp story because, while everyone expected Matvei Michkov to look great, not many thought Luchanko would make a case to force his way into the NHL.
Jett Luchanko
The separation of the two groups indicated who was getting a fair chance to skate with the big club from the rest of the potential field, representing most of the Phantoms’ roster.
Luchanko skated among Philadelphia stalwarts such as Sean Couturier and Joel Farabee. He is watching and learning how to be an NHL professional, shooting well past his expected trajectory, even as the 13th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
“At the end of the day, it’s just hockey. When you go on the ice, it’s business as usual and cool to be around these guys.” – Jett Luchanko; 9/25/2024
In the infancy of his development, Luchanko knows there is still a lot of work ahead. At the top of his list is finishing on shooting chances. What stood out about Luchanko in rookie and training camps was the maturity of his game, which John Tortorella noticed. Luchanko put his fastest skate forward, and the bench bosses kept putting him on the ice.
“I haven’t seen him [Luchanko] long enough. We’re practicing. We haven’t played a whole bunch of exhibition games. He’s handled himself very well through the camp. Specific stuff; I don’t want to talk about it now. I want to let it play out a little bit, but he’s handled himself very well.” – John Tortorella; 9/25/2024
So far, Luchanko is handling his first NHL camp with an overachieving grade. He is composed on the ice. Stepping onto the ice in Washington was undoubtedly a milestone achievement in his hockey career, but Luchanko wants to repeat that opportunity at the Wells Fargo Center.
“It’s a big, big spot and a lot of fans. It’s going to be cool to play at the Wells Fargo [Center] hopefully soon. I’m excited for that.” – Jett Luchanko; 9/25/2024
Tested earlier by Rasmus Ristolainen in a board battle, Luchanko earned a taste of an NHL camp. One of the most vital things for Luchanko will be combating the strength and size of NHL defensemen. But, as he mentioned in his media availability following practice, Luchanko is learning from the veterans on the ice during sessions. He is learning from Travis Konecny, who led the team in point production through four of the last five seasons. It will be worth watching Luchanko, who is fighting for a place in the NHL instead of returning to the OHL in 2024-2025.
