As we’ve reached the mid-point of the NHL offseason, let’s continue where the Philadelphia Flyers line-up stands.
General manager Danny Briere was active in addressing the team’s major areas of need during early July.
Prior to free agency, the Flyers signaled a change in their approach and structure with the hiring of Rick Tocchet as their head coach.
Tocchet had a highly successful 2023-24 season with the Vancouver Canucks, winning the Jack Adams Trophy. However internal problems between top stars Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller caused the team to miss the playoffs last season. Tocchet decided to leave Vancouver and join the Flyers.
If you are looking for a deep dive into Tocchet’s coaching philosophies on defense and breakouts, you should check out colleague Bill Meltzer’s “What You Need To Know” series.
In the first installment of the Forwards Series for Flyers Thoughts, we analyzed new additions Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak. We looked also at current Flyers Owen Tippett and Noah Cates‘ potential spots.
In Part Two, we looked at the likely top line of Matvei Mickhov, Sean Couturier, and Travis Konecny, along with the currently-injured Tyson Foerster.
Today, we’ll take a look at a group of younger forwards who could be contributors this season in Alex Bump, Jett Luchanko, and Devin Kaplan.
The Bump Factor
With Foerster’s timeline to return an open-ended question, it’s natural to look at who might slot into his spot while he recovers.
Winger Alex Bump seems to be the most likely candidate, after an outstanding final season at Western Michigan.
Bump was one of college hockey’s top players last season. With 27 goals and 47 points in 42 games played, he helped lead the Broncos to an NCAA title. Following that, he joined the Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ playoff run on a tryout contract towards the end of the regular season.
The 6 foot 2, 200 lb. forward scored three points (one goal) in the final two games. He scored twice in Game One of the Phantoms first round series sweep over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
However, Bump struggled to find scoring spaces against the eventual Calder Cup Hershey Bears, his first true pro hockey lesson.
Bump’s dynamic play, his willingness to enter scoring lanes, and NHL ready shot were on display during the Flyers recent Development Camp. It’s anticipated he will get the chance to prove he belongs on their roster this fall.
Unless he struggles mightily, the expectation here is that Bump will remain on their NHL roster, even upon Foerster’s return.
As a left wing, he ticks an important box on a club heavy on right wing talent.
Luchanko Looks To Capitalize on ’24-25 AHL Audition
The Flyers first round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Luchanko displayed impressive speed and anticipation through last year’s preseason and initial regular season audition.
The team was intrigued as he tallied 20 goals and 54 assists for 74 points in his draft year for the OHL Guelph Storm. With a smaller lineup without much speed and playmaking upside, Luchanko stood out.
And yet, there was a feeling that he was being fast-tracked for those exact reasons under previous head coach John Tortorella. As the pace of play increased in the regular season, it became apparent that he was not ready.
After four games, the Flyers sent Luchanko back to the OHL.
During the 2024-25 season, the 5 foot 11, 190 lb pivot finished with 56 points in 46 games for Guelph. That’s a 1.22 points per game pace. On it’s face, it’s a step up from his 1.09 PPG rate the season before, but not a quantum leap.
Luchanko got to join the Phantoms at the end of the season, scoring a combined nine points (all assists) in a combined 16 regular season and playoff games.
NHL or CHL (Again)?
Now Luchanko faces another audition with the Flyers this fall, with a new coach to impress. But due to his age and his entry level contract, the option once again remains the same: make the NHL or back to Canadian juniors.
The Flyers acquisitions of Zegras and Dvorak, along with Cates’ development, makes his training camp hill steeper to climb. If he somehow manages to impress Tocchet, it’s entirely possible that he could force a player like Cates to wing.
But does that serve his development enough?
The view from here is that if Luchanko goes back to junior hockey, it might be necessary for him to play for another team. Specifically one with more offensive firepower to enhance his production.
At this point, the Flyers certainly hope they have a top six center for the long term in Luchanko.
Kaplan Knocking On The Door
Upon first glance, you might look at Devin Kaplan and not think of him as an NHL roster player. And in all likelihood, he will spend a majority of his first full season honing his craft with the Phantoms.
However, it’s impossible to overlook Briere’s comments on July 1 when he named Kaplan as a candidate for ice-time if Foerster isn’t ready to go by October.
It came as a bit of surprise when the Flyers announced they signed the Boston University forward to a three year entry level contract on April 15. Doing so burned the first year of the contract for one game.
But for a lineup short on bigger players, the 6 foot 3, 201lb winger has tools that make him enticing as a piece for the middle to bottom six groups.
Per Smaht Scouting, Kaplan’s biggest asset is his transition game, his ability to forecheck as an F1, puck pursuit on defense, and his willingness to play in the dangerous areas of the ice.
His three year numbers with the Terriers, and excellent production during his time with the US National Development Program indicate a player that can fit Tocchet’s style of play.
Like Bump, his run to the NCAA Frozen Four Final speaks to his capabilities as a catalyst.
Rookie Camp in September will provide the coach with his first look to see if Kaplan can enter the picture.
Off The Post Radio
Quick broadcasting schedule note: Off The Post Radio is on the air twice this week…
However, we’ll be on at different times than our usual Wednesday and Sunday slots.
Our midweek podcast will air on Thursday at 4:30pm ET with HockeyHotStove NHL writer Ted Starkey as our guest.
Ted will join us to discuss his latest stories on the “NHL To Houston” scenario and Nicklas Backstrom’s return to Sweden.
The weekend show will be a day earlier than usual: Saturday at 12pm ET!
Hope you can join us!
