Philadelphia Flyers brass on the draft floor during the 2024 NHL Draft (Photo: NHL PR)
Photo Credit: Our very own Vasili Gianarakos
The Flyers first round selection of Luchanko is exactly what the doctor ordered. One can watch tape after tape on him. Other teams had their eyes set on Luchanko, as well, and the main reason is his speed. That part of the game cannot be taught, you either have speed or don’t.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be selected by the Flyers. Unbelievable feeling,” said Jett Luchanko. “I’m excited to be a Flyer and glad to be a part of this historic franchise.”
Luchanko turned 17 on August 21, 2023. He stands at 5’11 and weighs in at 187 pounds. This is somewhat of a raw build for a pro hockey player and gives him a bit of room should he want to add strength this Summer. Luchanko, is a native of London, ON, CAN, and fans could get their first opportunity to see him at Developmental Camp on Tuesday, “The way he plays, the way he works. He’s a complete player first of all. He’s very young still,” said Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere. “What he did and how he got better and better as the season went on. We feel that ‘yes, he’s a center.’ We feel he’s just starting to tap his potential. We’re really excited about him.”
Now more on the player in Luchanko. The Flyers ended up coming away with the guy they wanted all along, per Danny Briere. Luchanko was one guy the Flyers wanted, and had eyes for as Briere noted to our very own Vasili Gianarakos after the first round was complete. They loved his shot, hands, size, and more importantly his skating abilities.
Luchanko has a high motor, and can turn the jets on when he wants to. He has a high-end hockey IQ, which cannot be taught. His vision of the ice is impeccable. Luchanko needs to get bigger and stronger to withstand the rigors of an 82 game season, but that will come in time. He’s 1-2 years from being an impact player with the Flyers organization.
“Jett’s a player we are really excited about. A centerman who brings speed, very smart and very detailed at both ends of the rink. As he gets stronger, he’s going to be more and more dynamic. We’re really excited about his potential.” said Brent Flahr, Vice President and Assistant General Manager.
Flahr continues, “He can play in every situation, whether it’s in Guelph or Team Canada. He’s a leader. Coaches rave about him on both teams. We just think it’s the tip of the iceberg with him. He’s a player that we highly coveted.”
This young man can score too, it’s not just about his skating abilities. Yes he’s an elite skater, but he has good hands too. He netted 20 goals last season, so he has the knack for the net a bit.
Jack Berglund
With the Flyers first selection in the second round, 51 overall. They selected another Center Jack Berglund from Sweden. He stands at 6’4 and weighs 210 pounds. Not the fastest skater, but not a bad skater for his size either.
“It is a really cool team to see and to be part of that. They are trying to build the team back to where it was before,” said Jack Berglund. “I am really happy to be part of it and I am going to try and work hard every day to get there.”
The young, slick gifted Center in Berglund plays a solid two-way game. He gets to the dirty areas to score, and has a lethal wrist shot, as well. He has an aggressive edge to his game, and he could board battle with the best of them. Berglund loves camping out in front of the net, and that may be beneficial for the Flyers with the man advantage.
Berglund tallied 15 goals and 19 assists for Färjestad BK J20 team in 41 games played. He really plays a solid two-way game, and that will fit Head Coach John Tortorella’s system.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Spencer Gill
Spencer Gill, a Right-Handed defenseman was still on the board at 59 in the second round. Danny Briere then made a trade with Nashville to move up and snag him (Traded a 3rd rounder acquired from Minnesota in 2025, and pick #77).
Gill told our very own Vasili Gianarakos that he compares himself to Noah Dobson, following the Flyers selection.
The Flyers finally have drafted a solid skating defenseman, especially given his size of 6’4. They needed a solid skating defenseman, and this was one way to do it. He’s a hulk at the blue line, while weighing 205 pounds. The Flyers also wanted a defenseman that could stand players up at the blue line, which makes it tougher for their opponents to enter their own zone. It appears they wanted a Hunter McDonald clone, whom they are very high on.
“Obviously it’s a great moment for me and my family,” said Spencer Gill. “I’m just really pumped that they traded up to draft me and I’m really happy to join such a great organization.”
Gill is a solid skater, like most prospects he can improve upon this area, but he has a great pair of hands. If one area of his game was going to hold him back from being an effective NHL’er, it would definitely be his skating. Gill is very confident and a skilled puck handler, believe it or not. He can effectively transition the puck out of his zone and into his opponent’s zone. Gill is an able bodied playmaker who excels at finding and creating passing lanes, mainly due to his edge work. He plays a physical game, as he shuts down his opponents by taking the body, and board battling.
This young 17-year-old defenseman in Gill registered 12 goals last season for Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL. Let’s see how this pick correlates to the NHL, as Gill is about two to three years away from such.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
