Who? What? The Flyers did what? The Flyers made a trade to snag Carson Bjarnason, G, who played for the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Flyers traded up with the Chicago Blackhawks to No. 51 at the 2023 NHL Draft. They gave up a second rounder for next year as the main focal point of the deal.
Bjarnason’s a big goalie and he was third in saves in the WHL around mid-December in 2023-24. He stands at 6’4 and weighs 190 pounds. For the 2024-25 season his numbers did not do him Justice. Bjarnason’compiled a 25-15-3 record, with a 2.93 GAA, and a .913 Save Percentage.
Some perceived him as the best goaltender in the draft during his draft year, and his numbers do not suggest how good he was/is. He wasn’t given much help this past season for the Wheat Kings either.
Bjarnason came to Flyers’ Developmental Camp in great shape. He just looked confident, and moved laterally from post to post well. Bjarnason is a good skating netminder, and that was on stage at Developmental Camp.
Now Bjarnason joins the ranks of professionals. He joined the Lehigh Valley Phantoms yesterday, and he will don the #34 according to Flyers Puckpedia. Eetu Makiniemi is considered day today, with the return date of April 17, 2025, while Parker Gahagen is still on the roster.
For Bjarnason, this is great news, considering how is season ended with the Wheat Kings injury wise. He took a stick to the eye during one of the playoff games, and he did not miss a game. It’s good to see him not banged up, and now he will gain valuable experience with the Phantoms.
Reinforcements
Bjarnason hasn’t been the only new addition to help with the Phantoms playoff push. A few weeks ago the Phantoms got a much-needed boost from Jett Luchanko after his season ended with the Guelph Storm, coupled with Ty Murchison.
The Phantoms were able to add Alex Bump, fresh off his National Championship victory with Western Michigan University yesterday, as well. He signed an ATO (Amateur Tryout) with the Phantoms, so he can help with their playoff push. Bump also signed his ELC (Entry-Level-Contract) with the Flyers, which starts in 2025-26.
Over of course of the past few weeks, the Phantoms have added:
Carson Bjarnason (G)
Ty Murchison (D)
Jett Luchanko (F)
Alex Bump (F)
That’s a pretty solid group above. The Phantoms should be a tough out for the playoffs.
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