The Flyers’ 2025 Training Camp, Nikita Grebenkin and Alex Bump are indeed emerging as the top prospects vying for bottom-six forward spots on the opening-night roster.
Both impressed during rookie camp and the Rookie Series against the New York Rangers last weekend, and the Flyers’ coaching staff has given them prime opportunities early in main camp to showcase their NHL readiness. Here’s a quick breakdown of why they’re frontrunners, along with their key attributes:
Alex Bump
- Background: A 22-year-old forward drafted in 2022, who signed with the Flyers after Captaining Western Michigan to a National Championship in 2024-25. He then posted three points in two AHL games with Lehigh Valley to close out his pro debut season.
- Why a Frontrunner?: Described as “arguably the most NHL-ready prospect in rookie camp,” Bump’s improved strength, playmaking, and ability to generate scoring chances have stood out. He’s been slotted on the “first line” in Group A scrimmages alongside stars like Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny—clearly an audition for high-impact minutes.
- Recent Buzz: Scored a goal in the Rookie Series opener and showed dynamic puck-handling, though he was held scoreless in Game 2. Phantoms coach John Snowden raved about his offensive dynamo potential.
Nikita Grebenkin
- Background: The 22-year-old Russian winger (6’2″, 210 lbs) was acquired from Toronto at the 2025 trade deadline as part of the Scott Laughton deal (alongside picks). He tallied 21 points in 39 AHL games with the Marlies before adding 7 points in 11 games with Lehigh Valley post-trade.
- Why a Frontrunner?: Grebenkin’s size, physicality, and offensive skill make him a versatile bottom-six fit—he can retrieve pucks aggressively, drive the net, and play up or down the lineup. He’s been paired with Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov in camp, and GM Danny Briere name-dropped him as looking “good” after rookie camp. Fellow Russian Michkov has even pledged to mentor him, much like veterans helped him adjust last year.
- Recent Buzz: Delivered the overtime winner in the Rookie Series finale (plus 2 assists in Game 2), showing bite and endurance after dropping weight this offseason. Snowden highlighted his “skilled but gritty” style.
The Bigger Picture
The Flyers could carry one to two extra forwards to ease younger players in, and both Bump and Grebenkin fit that mold as “second-tier” prospects behind headliners like Michkov or Jett Luchanko. Pre-Season games starting next week will be crucial, but predictions are optimistic.
On day 3 of camp, Grebenkin and Bump are still getting top six minutes, further indicating what the coaching staff thinks of them.
It’s an exciting wrinkle in a rebuild year—keep an eye on them! What are your thoughts—rooting for one over the other?
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