As the Flyers gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, their prospect pool is deeper than it’s been in years, with several young forwards vying for limited spots on the opening-night roster. Denver Barkey, the 2023 third-round pick (No. 79 overall), has emerged as a particularly intriguing underdog in this competition.
At 5-foot-10 and 181 pounds, the gritty, high-energy center/wing from the London Knights (OHL) is drawing comparisons to Flyers star Travis Konecny for his relentless puck pursuit and “grimy” style. Recent reports from rookie camp and pre-training camp scrimmages highlight Barkey’s strong impression, positioning him as a potential surprise who could leapfrog higher-profile prospects like Jett Luchanko (2024 first-rounder, No. 13 overall) and Alex Bump (2022 fifth-rounder, No. 133 overall) in the battle for one of the team’s 12-13 forward slots.
All three players are forwards in their early 20’s, but they bring different skill sets and experience levels to the table. Luchanko and Bump are seen as more NHL-ready due to their prior pro exposure, while Barkey is transitioning from juniors after captaining London to a Memorial Cup title in 2025.
The Competition: Barkey’s Push for an Upset
The Flyers have a logjam at forward, with established NHLer’s like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, and Travis Konecny anchoring the lineup, plus other prospects like Nikita Grebenkin pushing for spots. Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere recently noted that Bump, Luchanko, and Grebenkin are the frontrunners for “a few” available slots, but he highlighted Barkey (along with Jack Nesbitt and Jacob Gaucher) as a “tier below” standout from the rookie series who could surprise.
- Barkey’s Momentum: In the rookie camp opener (Sep 11-13 vs. New York Rangers prospects), Barkey was arguably the Flyers’ most impactful player, generating scoring chances and drawing penalties. He lined up with Gaucher and Devin Kaplan, showing pro-level compete. Flyers Development Coach Riley Armstrong called him “all over the puck” and “grimy,” suggesting he’s earning coaches’ trust. If Barkey sustains this in main training camp (starting Thursday, Sep 18), he could force the Flyers’ hand, especially if Luchanko’s groin lingers or Bump’s scoreless weekend raises minor doubts.
- Challenges for Luchanko and Bump: Luchanko’s absence from rookie camp was precautionary, but his history of returning to juniors (despite making the 2024-25 roster briefly) adds pressure—CHL rules limit his NHL time without burning his entry-level contract fully. He’s expected to be 100% for camp and belongs at the NHL level per Armstrong. Bump, the oldest of the trio, had a quiet rookie series (0 points in two games), but impressed with physical play and chance creation; his college polish makes him a safe bet for at least AHL time with Lehigh Valley, but NHL projection hinges on Foerster’s status.
- Broader Context: The Flyers’ prospect depth (e.g., Oliver Bonk on Defense, Porter Martone heading to Michigan State) means not everyone makes it out of camp. Barkey, Bonk, and Luchanko all sat out development camp in July due to injuries but are now cleared, signaling the organization’s investment in their long-term health. If Barkey “makes an impression” as urged by coaches, he could start in the AHL but earn a recall—mirroring paths of recent success stories.
Overall, while Luchanko and Bump remain favorites due to draft pedigree and experience, Barkey’s camp performance has scouts and media buzzing about his potential to “follow the Konecny path” and snag a spot. Training camp will be decisive, with the season opener looming in early October. Keep an eye on intra-squad scrimmages for more clues.
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