Photo Credit: Our very own Michael Reaves
On October 7, 2024, it became official that Jett Luchano, did in fact, make the big club. He put forth one heck of a Training Camp and pre-season to earn this spot on the roster.
“It’s been my goal since I can remember was to make the NHL. First I called my parents. All the credit goes to them.” – Jett Luchanko said after practice yesterday
Flyers’ General manager Danny Briere spoke about him yesterday, “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 opening night presser.
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Both Briere and Tortorella have indicated that they will be cautious with Luchanko, and him staying past the nine game threshold does not just depend solely on points and production, rather there are other elements of his play that will dictate if he stays on the main roster for the entire season or not.
Whatever the case maybe, Luchanko is looking forward to the opportunity to prove he’s deserving of the spot, “Try to take pride with the coach throwing me in any situation,” Luchanko said yesterday. According to Flyers’ Head Coach John Tortorella, Luchanko will see time on the penalty kill and Power Play.
Luchanko came in and blew the doors off training camp, according to Briere. He knew exactly what he had to do in order to make the club. Luchanko can skate, and that is one key element the Flyers lacked befor his arrival in a major way. Matvei Michkov also helps in this area, but still, the Flyers have lacked speed throughout the duration of a season for years now.
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. Luchanko also 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.
What will happen with Luchanko is anyone’s guess, but he has earned this newfound role. Remember when some fans didn’t like the Luchanko pick at all? Well, now he has defied all the odds, and made the Flyers outright in his draft season.
