Jett Luchanko surprised many by making it onto Philadelphia’s roster during training camp.
Despite his impressive performance, the Flyers decided that it’s best for him to return to junior hockey with OHL Guelph. General Manager Daniel Briere explained this choice, saying, “The decision to send Jett back is something we strongly believe is the right path for him and his development. His work-ethic, preparedness and play during training camp and preseason was something we were extremely impressed with and felt he earned the right to make our roster and start the season with us. Ultimately, we feel it is more valuable for Jett to be put in the best possible position to prepare himself for an NHL career, and right now that is with his team in Guelph.”
Last season, at just 18 years old, Luchanko shone brightly with the Storm by scoring 20 goals and assisting on 54 others over 68 games. He also added three assists in four playoff matches. Many thought he’d be a first-round pick outside of the lottery, but Philly saw more potential and picked him at number 13 overall.
Development Path:
Luchanko signed an entry-level contract shortly after being drafted. During preseason games with Philadelphia, he managed two assists which helped secure his spot on their opening roster. Though he played four regular-season games as the youngest player in the league , he didn’t score any points while averaging about 14 minutes per game.
Fans might wonder if this move back to juniors will help or hinder his growth.
He missed out on three of seven games due to scratches, hinting that a return to juniors would allow him more ice time in different situations—and maybe even a chance at World Juniors come December!
Since Luchanko won’t play ten NHL games this season (or more), his contract clock stays paused until next year—keeping three years left on it alongside a slightly reduced cap hit through 2025-26.
Now there’s an open spot on Philly’s active roster; they could call up someone from AHL Lehigh Valley or keep rolling with just 22 players for now.
What do you think? Should they have kept him longer?