Flyers’ prospects Nikita Grebenkin and Jett Luchanko are both on the opening-night roster for the 2025-26 season, but are projected to be healthy scratches for Thursday’s opener against the Florida Panthers on October 9.
With the Flyers carrying 14 healthy forwards, Head Coach Rick Tocchet is opting for a more physical, veteran-heavy lineup to match Florida’s gritty style (they racked up over 450 penalty minutes in their first two games combined).
- Nikita Grebenkin (22-year-old Russian winger): Acquired from Toronto last season, he was a standout in training camp and preseason, earning top-line reps alongside Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras. Tocchet praised his net-front presence and playmaking but called his exclusion a “numbers game” and “puzzle-fitting” decision, not a performance issue. He noted Grebenkin needs to refine positional play, but emphasized it’s not a demotion.
- Jett Luchanko (19-year-old center): The Flyers’ 2024 first-round pick (13th overall) impressed in limited NHL action last year and camp this fall, despite missing some time with a precautionary groin issue. The team is committed to his development and doesn’t want him sitting long-term (he’s ineligible for the AHL under current rules), so they’ll evaluate daily and aim to get him in soon—potentially within the first nine games to preserve his entry-level contract.
Projected Opening-Night Lines (from Practice Yesterday)
| Line | Forwards |
|---|---|
| 1st | Christian Dvorak – Sean Couturier – Matvei Michkov |
| 2nd | Owen Tippett – Trevor Zegras – Travis Konecny |
| 3rd | Tyson Foerster – Noah Cates – Bobby Brink |
| 4th | Nic Deslauriers – Rodrigo Abols – Garnet Hathaway |
The scratches (Grebenkin, Luchanko) give Tocchet flexibility for matchups, but fan and media reaction has been mixed—many see it as a missed chance to reward the youngsters’ strong camps. Expect both to rotate in quickly, especially if the lineup clicks early. If you’re a Flyers fan, this could be a short bench stint before we see them contributing. What’s your take on Tocchet’s approach here?
Fans are buzzing about his size, physicality, and chemistry with players like Michkov, which could make him a great fit for the third or fourth line. His preseason hustle and AHL stats (28 points in 50 games last year) scream NHL-ready. So why should he sit in the press box? Even with a veteran, champion team like the Florida Panthers. This would seem like a perfect opportunity to get a taste of who Grebenkin is, early on in the season.
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