Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
After the latest round of cuts, and what presumably is the last round of cuts for the Flyers. Jett Luchanko, remains 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. Here are some pro’s and con’s to Luchanko earning a spot in the opening night lineup.
Pro’s to Jett earning a roster spot
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. “
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.
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Playing defense is important to Tortorella. Luchanko has proven time and time again in the pre-season that his defense awareness skills ranks off the charts. He wins stick battles, and poke checks well. He seems to always be in the right position, to make the right plays.
Con’s to Jett making the club
Luchanko most likely will get a nine game tryout in the NHL. Although, the plan will not be revealed by Tortorella, in regards to Luchanko’s usage. Presumably, he will get a nine game tryout, then be sent back to the Guelph Storm so the team doesn’t burn a year of his ELC (Entry-Level-Contract). The problem is, will Luchanko view this as a demotion? That is the fear, and if so it could really throw off his OHL season. In this case, this would do more harm, as opposed to good in this scenario.
The young 18-year-old is just that, Luchanko is just 18 years of age. He’s young and Luchanko will make mistakes. It is not yet known if he can handle the rigors of players at the NHL level. Unfortunately, when he saw time in exhibition games, they were notoriously against an AHL lineup. It will be interesting to see how he handles this tough task at hand.
Luchanko is a bit raw offensively. His defensive skills and skating abilities are top notch, however, his shot needs improvement. The NHL schedule does not give much time to hone on developing a players shot more, rather the schedule is quite rigorous, that often involves a crazy travel schedule at times. If the Flyers want Luchanko to develop more offensive flare to his game, then he should have been sent back to the Guelph Storm. That way he has chance to build on his confidence, and make improvements where need be. Luchanko even told us at Developmental Camp that one thing he wanted to do was “Develop my shot more.”
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.
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