Denver Barkey made his NHL debut yesterday, December 20, 2025, with the Flyers against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. He was all over the ice and gave the team some much needed energy , especially on special teams.
The 20-year-old forward, drafted 95th overall by the Flyers in 2023, was recalled from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on December 19. He impressed in his first game, recording two primary assists (helping flip a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead), two shots on goal, and earning praise for his smarts, energy, and competitiveness despite his smaller stature (5’9, 155 lbs).
Unfortunately, the Flyers blew a late lead and lost 5-4 in a shootout, but Barkey’s performance stood out positively—teammates and coaches noted he looked right at home. The debut was extra special as it was at MSG, where his late grandfather Randy Legge played for the Rangers in the 1970’s.
Rick Tocchet was asked if he could see Denver Barkey staying up long-term, “With the way Play tonight, and the way he competes. Yeah, I’m going to fight for him. He’s a young kid too, I saw enough tonight. He’s a good little player.”
Barkey on the other hand was happy, but upset at the outcome, “I was happy with my game, not the outcome. I want to win.”
Congrats to Barkey on reaching the NHL!
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