Photo Credit: Philadelphia Flyers Public Relations
With the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft the Philadelphia Flyers selected Jett Luchanko.
This surprised many considering highly touted defenseman Zeev Buium was still available before the Flyers traded the 12th selection to Minnesota.
However, it’s evident the Flyers scouting staff were enamored with certain aspects of Luchanko’s game and his overall progression throughout 2023-24.
This resulted in the forward rising up their draft board as the past season went along.
Luchanko is a 5 ’11, 185 pound right shot center from the Guelph Storm of the OHL. In 68 games he scored 20 goals and registered 54 assists for a total of 74 points.
One important thing to note is that Luchanko has an August 21st birthday. As a result, he was born less than 30 days from the 2024 draft eligibility cutoff and was very close to being a draft eligible prospect for 2025 instead.
Combine Testing Results
What’s particularly impressive about Luchanko is that despite being younger than many of the other prospects that were selected in the 2024 draft he outperformed a majority of them in the CHL top prospects on ice testing and at the NHL combine. Not only showing his skill on the ice but his athleticism as well.
Luchanko finished in the top five in six of ten on ice categories at the CHL top prospects on ice testing (30M forward skate, 30M forward skate with puck, 30M backwards skate with puck, Transition ability with the puck, Reaction).
Additionally, the center placed first in the reaction with the puck test and second in transition ability with the puck.
Overall, Luchanko finished first amongst his peers at the CHL top prospects on ice testing event back in January.
At the NHL combine that took place earlier this month Luchanko had similar results. He put forth several top ten scores in the physical fitness testing that took place.
Some of the categories in which Luchanko placed in the top ten are listed as follows.
- Pro Agility – Right Time (sec): 4.23, tied second
- Mean Power Output (watts/kg): 12.9, first place
- Peak Power Output (watts/kg): 16.2, 21st place
- Fatigue Index: 42.3, seventh place
- Body Fat Percentage: 7.2, tied seventh
- Vertical Jump: 24.63, second place
- Squat Jump: 18, eighth place
- No Arm Jump: 21.11, fourth place
- Left Hand Grip (Ibs): 172, first place
- Right Hand Grip (Ibs): 175, first place
Even though the center is younger than the majority of the other draftees in this draft class he managed to outperform them in various fitness tests. This exhibits how athletically gifted Jett Luchanko is even at only 17-years-old.
Overall Skill Set and Play on the Ice
Firstly, Luchanko is a prospect that can make an impact in all three zones on the ice. His stand out trait would likely be his playmaking ability.
Passing and Playmaking:
The centerman is a deceptive passer and typically sets his teammates up for scoring opportunities. In terms of the deception in his passing Luchanko quite often uses look-offs (looking somewhere on the ice and passing to another area) when dishing the puck to confuse opposing defenders.
Along with that, he regularly looks for back door passes and his passes tend to connect with his teammates even in tight defensive coverage.
When discussing Luchanko’s playmaking skills patience must also be mentioned. He typically will hold onto pucks longer than usual to create space for himself, deceive defenses, and open up passing lanes on the ice.
Puck Handling:
When it comes to puck handling skills Luchanko is above average but can catch pucks in transition. His ability to corral pucks and retrieve them efficiently are a huge asset.
Skating:
The facet of Luchanko’s game that is the most dynamic is his skating ability. Specifically his skating mechanics are some of the best in this draft class. In particular, the forward’s acceleration, agility and balance all highlight his skating strengths. This allows the center to make plays at high speeds quite regularly and that is a difficult thing to defend.
Another thing to point out that’s associated with Luchanko’s skating is his high motor, intensity and durability. This correlates with the relentlessness in his game.
For example, Luchanko at times covers a large portion of the ice. The forward can assist with breakouts in his own end and still get in on the forecheck of that same breakout because of his durability.
Defensive Play:
Luchanko may be one of the strongest defensive forwards in this draft class as well. In part, this is due to his hockey IQ, anticipation skills and how he reads the game.
During board battles in the defensive zone the center is able to seal off opposing players with ease. In addition, he picks the right spots to be aggressive and pressure the opposition when they have the puck to create turnovers.
Shooting:
In regards to certain things in Jett Luchanko’s game that need refinement his shot would be at the top of the list.
Particularly, Luchanko needs to work on his raw shooting mechanics and shot release.
Currently he can struggle at times with beating goalies clean from distance. But shot strength and accuracy is something that can be focused on in order for Luchanko’s shot to improve.
Final Thoughts
When assessing the Flyers 13th selection Jett Luchanko’s playing style it’s evident it should translate to the NHL level quite easily. Although, he’s likely at least 2 years away from making the jump.
One final thing to touch upon is a potential NHL comparable for Luchanko. I asked the talented center if there are any specific NHL players he molds his game after at the NHL draft and he stated Nick Suzuki.
Ultimately, Jett Luchanko appears to be a speedy and talented two-way prospect with top six upside at the NHL level. Moving forward Luchanko’s draft plus one season will be critical to his development.
The Flyers will be looking for the young centerman to build upon his 74 point season and continue to grow offensively.
