Luchanko Pushes for Flyers Roster Spot With AHL Now Available
The 20-year-old center can now be assigned to Lehigh Valley, but Rick Tocchet has noticed a more aggressive approach in camp.
Jett Luchanko is making another push for a Philadelphia Flyers roster spot, with the organization now able to assign the 20-year-old center to the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Luchanko made Philadelphia's opening roster in each of the past two seasons and played four NHL games each year before returning to junior. He recorded no points, two penalty minutes and a minus-3 rating in four games last season.
He has skated between Travis Konecny and Porter Martone early in camp. Coach Rick Tocchet cautioned against reading too much into the combinations, but said Luchanko is attacking more aggressively.
"Just from last year to this year, we did a lot of rush drills today, and he shot the puck," Tocchet said. "He went in with his speed, gained the middle."
Tocchet also praised a two-on-two drill in which Luchanko drove to the net and scored, calling it the kind of assertive play he wants to see.
"Whether he makes the team or not, that's long-term, like who knows," Tocchet said. "He's putting good days together."
Philadelphia selected Luchanko 13th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He split last season between Guelph and Brantford in the OHL and appeared in the Flyers' final playoff game while dealing with a core muscle injury.
Luchanko has four shots on goal in eight career NHL games. His age now gives Philadelphia the option to develop him in Lehigh Valley and recall him during the season.
