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Jett Luchanko was one of two Philadelphia Flyers prospects who had an inside track to make the NHL roster out of training camp. The other was Alex Bump (who ultimately lost out to Nikita Grebenkin). Even an injury sidelining him for most of training camp didn’t change Luchanko’s outlook. The 2024 first round pick still had the talent to make the cut. He did but hasn’t seen much time in the two games he’s dressed.
He’s the player the Flyers will likely send down to create space for a fourth-line center. Luchanko projects as a top-six center and needs that type of ice time (he’s had 7:40 and 8:49 in two games). So, unless he impresses in the next few games, he’ll be sent somewhere to develop (and based on the rules, that somewhere is most likely junior hockey).
What Luchanko Brings to the Lineup
At his best, Luchanko is a great playmaker at the center spot. He stood out in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) because of it. Even in a handful of games at the American Hockey League (AHL) level, he made his mark as a passer, creating scoring chances for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in a brief yet significant playoff run.
Those games in the AHL are worth noting because the gap between the two leagues is minimal compared to the OHL. “It’s not much different,” Luchanko mentioned following the practice on Oct. 14, which came after an upset 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers. It’s also worth noting because Luchanko stood out against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins yet was a non-factor against the Hershey Bears, a team that plays a physical game and is as close to NHL competition in the AHL as it gets.
Those games were a reminder that while Luchanko has the upside and will eventually be a top-six center, he isn’t one yet. The Flyers can’t give him minimal ice time, typically designated for a checking line center, and expect it to benefit his development. They also can’t move him up in the lineup when the other centers are playing well, which has happened in recent games. It’s why general manager (GM) Daniel Briere is in a pickle with his prospect, one he knew he’d end up in with one of the elite young talents but didn’t know it would be Luchanko (although he had to anticipate it, considering the position).
Where Luchanko Must Improve
“Everywhere,” Luchanko noted following Tuesday’s practice. In the NHL, it’s hard for a prospect to break through, and it’s about being great in multiple facets to make an impact. It’s one thing to show flashes of great play but it’s another to play well consistently and produce at a high level every night.
The bigger question is whether Luchanko, who does a lot of the minor things well, has those bursts in him. He’s a good center but hasn’t proven he can take over games, at least not in the small sample size. “Luchanko, I gotta get him in there,” Tocchet noted after the practice when asked about the ice time given to the star players and the prospects, with the suggestion that he wants more ice time for the depth. “We’re a balanced type of team, we’re not a one-line team,” he added.
The Flyers need a star player at the center position, and the question is whether Luchanko can be that. Trevor Zegras has shown those flashes, notably with his centering pass to set up the go-ahead goal in Monday night’s win. Jack Nesbitt, whom the Flyers selected in the first round of the latest draft, doesn’t have the big plays in him either and instead does all the little things well. It’s why Luchankos’ development is pivotal, as he can become that player to help out the surplus of wingers in the pipeline.
Luchanko’s Character
It’s hard to read much into a player’s personality and translate it to their on-ice performances. There are plenty of goaltenders who show all the emotion and passion in the net but none of it after the games. That said, Luchanko’s play is reflective of his quiet under-the-radar personality.
Luchanko isn’t a great quote, something the media saw during the Calder Cup Playoffs and regularly experiences following practices. The impression he gives is that he’s focused on the game and not much else. It’s that business mindset that has the Flyers optimistic that he’ll become a reliable NHLer someday.
The irony is that Nikita Grebenkin is the other prospect on the forward unit these days, and despite the language barrier, he shows off the opposite personality. He’s made a strong impression with the Flyers and looks poised to stay with the team, with the way he’s looked. “Grebenkin, he’s the one guy who should be out there, you guys should be asking about him,” Tocchet mentioned. The next few games will determine whether the Flyers front office sends him down or wants to play out the string this season and find a way to move him up in the lineup. It’s not an easy decision but Luchanko’s play can make it one, starting with another home game on Thursday night.
– he does not project as a top 6 center. majority of have him bottom 6.
– he did not dominate juniors. not sure how you can say he stood out.
– another fluff piece.
– he is not nhl ready. that is not a bad think or even a negative.
– flyers will once again look like fools when they eventually send him back.