Cole Knuble is the more obvious sleeper, between he and Zayde Wisdom. Knuble, a fourth-rounder in 2023, son of Mike, just signed his ELC (Entry-Level-Contract) after three solid years at Notre Dame (career 30-60-90 in 106 games). He’s a high-motor, competitive center/winger who plays heavier than his size and has real playmaking instincts.
The step from college to the AHL is happening now with the Phantoms — if the skating continues to improve and he produces at even a middle-six AHL rate, he has a real shot at a bottom-six energy role in Philly sooner rather than later.
Zayde Wisdom is the longer-shot sleeper. 2020 fourth-rounder who’s already in year six with Lehigh Valley. He’s never been a high-end scorer, but the compete level, physicality, and leadership have been consistent, and he just put up career-high goals (14) while wearing an “A.” At 23–24 he’s still young enough that a strong training camp or injury call-up could finally get him a look. Energy/PK bottom-six guys who stick around forever often start as “just AHL guys” before they stick.
Both fit the classic Flyers prospect mold: compete first, skill second, and neither is getting hyped like the higher picks. If either (or both) force their way onto the NHL roster in the next year or two, a lot of people will look smart for calling them sleepers early.
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