Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
After the latest round of cuts this past Friday, and what was the last round of cuts for the Flyers. Jett Luchanko, remained with the team, and he is eager to embark his new challenge amongst men in the NHL. The Flyers roster currently sits at 23 (14F,7D,2G). No, Luchanko will not head back to the Guelph Storm, rather his dream of playing in the NHL is all but a reality. That shall change next Friday night, when the Flyers play the Vancouver Canucks in their season debut. Jett Luchanko has officially made the opening night roster.
Speed, speed, speed. Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella spoke on the need for speed in the Flyers lineup. Luchanko more than provides that, as he is an elite skater. “The speed he brings through the middle of the ice is intriguing,” Tortorella said yesterday following practice last week.
Another thing he provides is maturity. Luchanko carries himself like a pro, and better yet he’s only 18-years-old. He weighs 190 pounds and stands at 5’11, but he plays like a player that weighs 230 pounds. He’s very mature for being so young, “There is no small detail. I think he has a maturity about him. We know he’s 18, or just turned it. But, he carries himself in a different way,” said Tortorella following practice yesterday.
Luchanko has excellent vision of the ice, rather it’s quite elite, as well. He makes plays happen that is not spotted by the naked eye. He pays attention to the small details, like winning puck battles, making the right outlet passes, and enters the opponents zone with ease at times. The Flyers needed more creativity with their offense, and Luchanko infuses it greatly. Congrats Luchanko on a job well done.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
Here is the Flyers official roster:
Forwards (14)
Bobby Brink, 10
Travis Konecny, 11
Sean Couturier, 14
Jett Luchanko, 17
Garnet Hathaway, 19
Scott Laughton, 21
Ryan Poehling, 25
Noah Cates, 27
Matvei Michkov, 39
Nicolas Deslauriers, 44
Morgan Frost, 48
Tyson Foerster, 71
Owen Tippett, 74
Joel Farabee, 86
Defensemen (7)
Egor Zamula, 5
Travis Sanheim, 6
Cam York, 8
Jamie Drysdale, 9
Nick Seeler, 24
Rasmus Ristolainen, 55
Erik Johnson, 77
Goalies (2)
Samuel Ersson, 33
Ivan Fedotov, 82
In his opening night press conference, Danny Briere says that Jett Luchanko blew the doors off in training camp. Some of his details are skating. Briere did admit he didn’t think he had a shot at making the roster before camp began.
“There’s guys that were rushed, that never really took the next steps. And there’s guys that were rushed and became amazing players. The one player like that that comes to mind for me is Patrice Bergeron,” Briere said at his presser.
I enjoyed reading this, you’ve covered everything so well.