Photo Credit: Vasili Gianarakos
Only less than a week through training camp and the Philadelphia Flyers thirteenth overall pick in the 2024 draft Jett Luchanko is a major topic of conversation.
The question surrounding Luchanko after his impressive two assist pre-season debut is if the 18-year-old can secure a roster spot with the Flyers this upcoming season.
Ironically enough, the overall sentiment concerning Luchanko has drastically shifted since the center was selected by the Flyers at the Sphere in Vegas this past June.
Initially, many considered the pick to be a reach after the Flyers traded down to select Luchanko and passed on taking prospect Zeev Buium at twelfth overall.
Months afterwards, Luchanko is proving why the Flyers made an intelligent selection.
The speedy center plays a detail oriented two-way game and has the vision to set up his teammates in a multitude of different ways. Not only did Luchanko impress during rookie camp but he’s had a very strong start to training camp and the pre-season for Philadelphia.
Primarily, what’s enticing about Luchanko as a prospect is the pace that he plays with. He can make zone entries and carry the puck up ice very quickly due to his speed. This allows him to find his teammates for scoring opportunities and utilize his playmaking abilities in various situations but specifically in transition.
Luchanko’s hockey IQ is also an integral part of his game. It enables him to be in the correct positions on the ice and find those open areas between opposing defenders.
These are all aspects that have been at the forefront of his play throughout training camp and pre-season so far.
It should be noted that despite how effective Luchanko has looked he’s yet to take on a roster full of NHL players. With that being said, until he produces similarly against such competition we may be getting ahead of ourselves in regards to the 18-year-old earning an NHL roster spot.
When taking into account what’s best for Jett Luchanko’s long term development as a hockey player, going back to the OHL and spending the season with Guelph would be the best option.
This will ensure Luchanko is playing a top line centerman role in all facets of the game for the entire season. Whereas with the Flyers he would likely be in a bottom six role at the NHL level.
Luchanko’s most productive offensive season in the OHL is 74 points. If Luchanko has yet to dominate the OHL landscape offensively then going back to junior hockey for another season to do so is the best path for his development. This provides him the correct environment and opportunities to continue to grow as a young player.
The NHL can be a difficult league for an 18-year-old to progress and improve their game, which appears to be what the Flyers want Luchanko to do.
It’s evident Luchanko’s puck handling skills and abilities need some further refinement, along with his shot. Working on those parts of his game while going through his rookie season at the NHL level is not an easy task.
On the other hand, trying to improve those skills and areas of his game in the OHL isn’t as daunting.
Ultimately, the last thing the Flyers should want to do is rush Jett Luchanko to the NHL. There’s a risk of impacting his confidence negatively if he struggles at this level. Why put a young player who’s game is not yet complete in that situation when you currently aren’t forced too.
Comparatively, returning Luchanko to the Guelph Storm will allow him to work on certain facets of his game and continue to build his confidence to become an 80 to 100 point player at the OHL level before beginning his NHL career.
In the long run letting Luchanko dominate the OHL level with Guelph versus playing a bottom six role in the NHL with the Flyers seems like a better outcome for his extended development.
One thing I would be open to if Luchanko continues to impress and keeps up this level of play is rewarding the young center with a nine game trial to start this NHL season.
Doing so provides Luchanko a taste of the NHL before being sent back to the OHL. As a result, it gives the forward a first hand experience of what the pace of play in the NHL is like and what it takes to play at the NHL level.
This will allow Luchanko to understand what he needs to enhance within his game moving ahead in order to become an impactful and effective NHL player in future seasons.
