Jett Luchanko, the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2024 No. 13 draft pick, has made the team’s opening roster, as announced Monday. At just 18 years old, Luchanko will become the youngest player in Flyers’ history, assuming he plays in their season opener against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. He follows Matvei Michkov, another teenager on the team, and Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick from the 2024 NHL Draft, as one of the few rookies starting the season in the NHL.
Luchanko, who turned 18 on August 21, expressed his excitement at reaching this career milestone: “It’s been my end goal since I remember, making the NHL.” Despite not being initially expected to make the opening-night roster, Flyers’ General Manager Daniel Briere noted that Luchanko’s performance during training camp earned him a spot on the team.
“He’s blown us away from Day 1,” said Briere. “The speed is one that really jumped out. Top-end NHL speed already at such a young age.” Briere also highlighted Luchanko’s attention to detail, adding, “The way he supports everybody, the way he makes everyone around him better.”
Luchanko’s performance this season will determine whether he stays with the team beyond nine NHL games. Playing more than nine games would activate the first year of his entry-level contract. Briere emphasized that while Luchanko could potentially return to junior hockey, nothing is guaranteed, and his future with the team will be evaluated “day by day.”
Luchanko, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 191 pounds, is not being eased into his new role. He is projected to center the third line, flanked by Joel Farabee and Bobby Brink, while also contributing to the Flyers’ power play and penalty kill units. Flyers’ head coach John Tortorella praised Luchanko’s abilities during power play drills, stating, “He was one of our best power-play guys out there today.”
Last season, Luchanko played for the Guelph Storm in the OHL, tallying 20 goals and 54 assists. The young center is poised to make an immediate impact in his NHL debut.
