Jett Luchanko, 17, was the 13th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, picked by the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the only member of the Flyers 2024 draft class to already agree to terms on an entry-level contract. Luchanko signed a 3yr/$2.93mil entry-level deal on July 6th, 2024.
Last season, Luchanko wrapped up his second season in the OHL with the Guelph Storm. He snatched the attention of scouts, including Philadelphia. In 68GP, Luchanko accumulated 74 points (20G, 54A) before the Soo Greyhounds swept the Storm, 4-0, in the OHL Conference Quarterfinals. Luchanko added three postseason assists. His 2023-2024 performance earned Luchanko the William Hanley Trophy.
He led Guelph to the postseason, topping the team in overall point production and assists. Luchanko used his speed as a playmaking, two-way center to pressure the opposition in the neutral zone and force entry onto the attack, especially on the powerplay.
In addition to his OHL season, Luchanko helped Canada earn gold at the IIHF U18 World Juniors versus the United States.
His 2023-2024 OHL campaign and international experience made Luchanko a rising top prospect as the 2024 NHL Entry Draft approached. He snuck onto the radar. Luchanko commanded the attention of Flyers scouts when on assignment to observe Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk. Riley Armstrong admitted as much during the 2024 Flyers Development Camp:
“When I went to go watch Barkey and Bonk play, they were against Guelph. Going into the game, I’m not like, ‘Oh, who’s the next draft class coming up?’ I constantly was checking Elite Prospects, like, ‘Who’s this number seven on the Guelph Storm?” It was Jett [Luchanko].” – Riley Armstrong; 7/2/2024
At the end of the 2024 Flyers Development Camp, once Team Jones decimated Team Brière, Luchanko made a grand impression. He began the scrimmage with an assist, flashing his speed and playmaking prowess. Luchanko has a poise about him, on and off the ice. An edge is required in Philadelphia, especially when many fans were initially distraught about Daniel Brière leaving skaters like Zeev Buium, Cole Eiserman, and Konsta Helenius available for the taking.
Unphased, Luchanko is undeniably committed to proving doubters wrong.
“The draft doesn’t change the way I see things or go about my business. I’m always just trying to work hard every single day, and I think good things come from that. I’m not worried about where I went. I’m just worried on getting to work and getting started here.” – Jett Luchanko; 7/2/2024
Admittedly, Luchanko is a pass-first forward. The game film supports that. Learning when to use his shot versus dishing the puck is one of the learning curves Luchanko approaches in his development. He can break free in space because of his skating and speed. The Flyers found their dual threat.
“He’s [Luchanko] a center; the way he plays, the way he works, the way he is a complete player, first of all. Very young still, he played on an OHL team [Guelph Storm], and what he did and how he got better as the season went on, we feel, ‘yes, he’s a center, absolutely,‘ and we feel he’s just starting to tap his potential.” – Daniel Brière; 6/29/2024
Brière addressed, before the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, that it was no secret how Philadelphia was looking for a center. Brent Flahr touted the prospect:
“Jett was a guy that really rocketed up our charts this year. [An] extremely high character kid; very driven with a speed skill set. His details to his game are high-end. Just rave reviews from coaching and all his staff, both in Guelph and Hockey Canada. He’s a guy we’re really excited about.” – Brent Flahr; 6/29/2024
Next season, Luchanko returns to the Storm. Hockey Canada invited him to the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. He will accompany other Flyers prospects like Bonk, Barkey, Carson Bjarnason, and Carter Sotheran.
