Cole Knuble is doing very well and has been impressing with the Flyers.
The 22-year-old Forward (son of longtime Flyer Mike Knuble) in Knuble is a 2023 fourth-round pick who played three seasons at Notre Dame before turning pro. He signed his entry-level deal in March 2026, impressed in a short AHL stint with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (strong debut, energy, battles, hockey sense), and carried that into a standout 2026 training camp and pre-season.
In camp/pre-season Knuble scored multiple times (including greasy net-front goals), showed improved skating, high compete, and hockey IQ. Coach Rick Tocchet noted he was “definitely pushing some people” for a roster spot and had liked his game dating back to the prior year. He didn’t stick for opening night but took the demotion well, played productively in the AHL, and earned a call-up amid injuries.
Recent NHL impact:
- NHL Debut (Oct. 19 vs. Colorado): Logged 13:44 of ice time in a 3-2 victory. He brought energy, pressure, and smart plays while skating with other young forwards. Took some big hits (including from Noah Juulsen and Josh Manson) but kept competing. This was the first father-son duo to play regular-season games for the Flyers.
- Second game (Oct. 21 at Buffalo): Scored his first two NHL goals in a 3-1 victory that gave the Flyers their third straight win after a rough 0-6-3 start. One was a rebound backhand; the other a banked effort from near the goal line. Parents were in the stands; Oliver Bonk had the primary assists on both.
Coaches and coverage have highlighted his motor (“dog on a bone”), responsible checking, willingness to go to hard areas, improved skating (once a knock), and overall attitude. Tocchet praised the good camp, positive response to being sent down, and the results now showing up. Early returns suggest he’s injecting energy into the bottom-six/young forward group and making a strong case to stick around.
In short, the prospect who was already turning heads in camp and the AHL is translating it quickly at the NHL level, “It was pretty cool that Bonker and Barks were part of that. We have known each other for a few year,” Knuble said postgame after netting his first and second goals of his brief NHL career.
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