Denver Barkey has proven himself NHL-ready. The 20-year-old Flyers’ prospect (drafted 95th overall in 2023) made his NHL debut on December 20, 2025, against the New York Rangers, where he immediately recorded two assists in a single game, showcasing his high hockey IQ, playmaking, and speed.
Barkey earned a quick recall from the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms (where he had 16 points in 26 games earlier in the season) due to strong performance and team needs. Just yesterday (January 3, 2026), in a game against the Edmonton Oilers, Barkey scored his first NHL goal — opening the scoring in a 5-2 Flyers win — while playing on a line with Sean Couturier and Owen Tippett.
He had all his intangibles going like zone entry, positioning, and finishing as evidence of his readiness. Barkey’s junior dominance with the London Knights (including captaining them, 82 points in 50 OHL games in 2024-25, and multiple championships) translated quickly to pro hockey, overcoming size concerns (5’9) with relentless work ethic, skill, and two-way play.
Barkey’s sticking in the lineup and contributing right away, confirming he’s not just ready but already impactful at the NHL level.
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