Latest news with #Luchanko
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flyers' Jett Luchanko Thriving in First True Playoff Experience
Top Philadelphia Flyers forward prospect Jett Luchanko is coming into his own during his first postseason experience as a pro player. Luchanko, 18, is far from a finished product, especially offensively. It may very well take him until his mid-20s to reach his ceiling in that department, but we'd be remiss to ignore the very obvious flashes the Flyers' 2024 first-round pick is displaying in the Lehigh Valley Phantoms' Calder Cup playoff run. Believe it or not, Luchanko has made the OHL playoffs with the Guelph Storm before. Twice, in fact. The first time was his D-1 season in 2022-23, and the second was in his D0 (draft year) season in 2023-24. The 18-year-old had only 14 points in 46 games in the 2022-23 season, which was his first season in the OHL. Luchanko and the Storm lost to the Sarnia Sting in six games in the first round, wherein the then-fledgling had one assist. The Storm allowed no fewer than four goals in five of the six games, and lost the first three games by scores of 5-0, 5-4, and 8-4. And, it is worth noting that Luchanko went without a shot on goal in each of the last three games of the aforementioned series against the Sting. Despite the two wins, it was really not much of a competition. Last year, Luchanko's Storm saw the Soo Greyhounds come in and sweep them in four games, notwithstanding Luchanko's three assists in three games to start the series. Now, after having already made his NHL debut with the Flyers, Luchanko is in the midst of his first real playoff experience. One where Luchanko and the Phantoms have something to play for, and where games flat-out mean more for everyone. Many of these AHL players, on the Phantoms and on other teams, are fighting for jobs. Those jobs may be in the NHL or the AHL, but they are jobs. Luchanko himself is a candidate to make the Flyers outright again next season, but he, like his teammates, has to earn that and fight for that. This Calder Cup run is the best place for the Flyers' top forward prospect to strut his stuff before the real fun begins in training camp a few months from now. So far, the London, Ontario, native is taking advantage in a big way. In two playoff games with the Phantoms, Luchanko has racked up four assists, hastily surpassing the three assists he had in nine prior AHL regular season games. Sure, the eight penalty minutes in two games is a minor issue, but everyone would rather Luchanko be involved in plays than not, for better or for worse. Aside from his readily apparent blazing speed, Luchanko has consistently flexed his playmaking chops. In a 5-2 Game 1 win against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on April 23, Luchanko showed one of the many things he can do at the peak of his powers. Picking off a Penguins defensive zone turnover at his offensive blueline, Luchanko took possession of a loose puck and wheeled down the right wing boards, eventually gaining the zone 1-on-4. After using his speed to circle deep into the zone and behind the net, Luchanko pulled up at the left circle, whipping a pass through five Penguins defenders and teammate Garrett Wilson to find Anthony Richard at the right circle for a one-timer goal. JETT LUCHANKO OH MY GOODNESS. WHAT A CROSS ICE FEED TO ANTHONY RICHARD.#LetsGoFlyers — Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) April 24, 2025 This element of Luchanko's game has been a strength of his since the Flyers drafted him in June, but the two question marks that need the most work are his shooting and consistency. In 15 professional games between the Flyers and Phantoms, Luchanko has yet to find his first pro goal to complement his seven assists. For instance, Luchanko failed to record a shot on goal in the Game 1 against the Penguins referenced above despite recording two assists on the evening. In Game 2, Luchanko picked up another two assists, including the secondary helper on the game-winner scored by defenseman Helge Grans, while also adding three shots on goal. Before this, Luchanko had gone three games in a row without a shot on goal. Good or bad, this is all useful information for the Flyers. The more Luchanko plays, the easier it will be to pick up on his habits and pick things out to improve or continue. In Game 2, for example, Grans enters the zone on his own before executing a drop pass to a trailing Luchanko. After pivoting inside, Luchanko makes a nice heads-up play to find Richard cutting to the back post. Some players might opt to pull up and shoot a puck through heavy traffic, but it is clear that Luchanko's first offensive instinct is to defer and look for another pass. Grans backhand no look game winner from HIS KNEES?! Are you SERIOUS?!#RallyTheValley | #LVvsWBS | #LVPhantoms — Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) April 26, 2025 This works out for Luchanko, as he has the skill to pull off such a high-difficulty pass to create a big scoring chance for his teammate. He gets bonus points for the assist, as Grans was able to turn around and swat a juicy rebound into the goal to win the game. At the NHL level, Luchanko will have to add more wrinkles to his game to thrive on the stat sheet, but at the AHL level, his vision, speed, and passing abilities are too hot for the average player to handle. Luchanko's processing speed and decision-making have shown clear progress, and perhaps the Flyers' top forward prospect is willing himself to an even higher gear in these playoff games. These are the kind of things a Flyers organization starved of playoff hockey wants to see from its up-and-coming players. Which players want to be here and want to succeed here? Who can push themselves and their teammates to another gear when the stakes are raised? Right now, it looks like Luchanko is indeed a prospect capable of accomplishing this in Philadelphia, and that has to be an encouraging feeling for this Flyers front office.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Flyers' Jett Luchanko Opens Phantoms Account with First Pro Point
Top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jett Luchanko has scored his first point as a professional hockey player. After finishing his third season in the OHL with the Guelph Storm, Luchanko, 18, was reassigned by the Flyers to the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The 2024 first-round pick made his AHL debut with the Phantoms on Saturday, centering wingers Garrett Wilson and Alexis Gendron in a 3-2 loss to the Belleville Senators. While Luchanko took a minor boarding penalty and failed to record a point in his first game with the Phantoms, his second time was a charm. Jett's first point 🥹#LVvsLAV | #LVPhantoms — Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) March 30, 2025 Getting right back to it on Saturday night against the Laval Rocket, Luchanko finally opened his pro account, earning a primary assist on Wilson's second-period goal for the Phantoms. The 18-year-old collected Adam Ginning's breakout pass at center ice, churning his legs and driving through the middle of the ice to create space. From there, Luchanko quickly recognized he was out-numbered by Laval defenders and cut back, reloading at the Phantoms' offensive blueline before driving again. Luchanko used a feint to pull the puck from his forehand to his backhand and created more space, then backhanded a pass between a defender's legs to find Wilson down low. The rugged Phantoms captain did the rest, dispatching the loose change past Laval goalie Connor Hughes to take a 3-0 lead. Luchanko and Helge Grans each earned one assist in the contest, while Ginning picked up two. Nikita Grebenkin and Zayde Wisdom joined Wilson as the goal-scorers in what was ultimately a 3-1 win over the Rocket on Saturday night. Luchanko had previously played in four NHL games for the Flyers earlier this season, taking one penalty and a minus-3 plus-minus rating with him to Guelph after being reassigned in late October. Fellow Flyers prospect Alex Ciernik, who joined the Phantoms alongside Luchanko, has yet to make his pro debut for the organization after signing an amateur tryout offer (ATO). Luchanko, Ciernik, and the Phantoms have seven regular season games remaining before the Calder Cup playoffs, with the last scheduled for April 19 against the Hershey Bears. Look for the two Flyers prospects to make some more noise before then.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
REPORT: Jett Luchanko, Alex Ciernik To Join Phantoms This Week
As the Lehigh Valley Phantoms prepare for a final push toward the Calder Cup Playoffs, reinforcements are on the way. Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) on X Top #LetsGoFlyers prospect Jett Luchanko, who became the youngest-ever debutante for the team back in October, is expected to join the Lehigh Valley Phantoms later this week, as first reported by @jackiespiegel93 👀 Reports indicate that Flyers prospects Jett Luchanko and Alex Ciernik will be joining the Phantoms by the end of the week, adding speed, skill, and fresh energy to a team looking to make a deep run. For Flyers fans, this news is both exciting and familiar. After all, Luchanko, the Flyers' 13th overall pick in 2024, already made history earlier this season when he became the youngest player ever to debut for the Flyers. His journey—from training camp standout to NHL debut to OHL captain—has been impressive, and now he'll get another crack at professional hockey. Meanwhile, Ciernik, a dynamic winger who had a strong year in Sweden, will bring his own blend of speed and creativity to the Phantoms' lineup. With both players set to arrive in Allentown, here's what their presence could mean for the Phantoms down the stretch. Luchanko's first stint with the Flyers was short but electric. After turning heads at training camp, he cracked the opening-night roster and played in four NHL games before being sent back to the OHL's Guelph Storm to continue his development. While some young players might have taken that as a disappointment, Luchanko embraced the challenge, returning to junior hockey as Guelph's captain and finishing the season with 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists) in 46 games. Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) on X Jett Luchanko, ARE YOU SERIOUS? #StormCity | @NHLFlyers Now, he's ready for the next step. Luchanko's game is built on elite skating, high-end vision, and relentless work ethic—all things that should translate well to the AHL. His ability to push the pace, make quick plays, and disrupt opponents with his tenacity could make him an immediate asset for the Phantoms. The AHL is a different animal compared to junior hockey. The game is faster, the players are stronger, and time and space are harder to come by. But Luchanko has already handled the transition once at the NHL level. His second go-around in pro hockey should be smoother, and if he can adjust quickly, he could be a real difference-maker for Lehigh Valley. Ciernik took a different route this season, spending the year in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan with the Nybro Vikings. Playing against men in a professional league has given him valuable experience, and his production—23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 46 games—reflects his growing confidence. TV4 Hockey (@TV4_Hockey) on X Vinna efter försvinna ikväll för Nybro - då öppnar Alex Ciernik målskyttet såhär 🚨 Ciernik's biggest strength is his speed. He's a burner in open ice, capable of breaking away from defenders and creating offensive chances off the rush. His skill with the puck and quick hands make him dangerous in transition, and his playmaking instincts should add another dimension to the Phantoms' offense. The challenge for Ciernik will be adjusting to the North American game. The smaller rink means tighter checking and less time to make plays, so he'll need to adapt quickly. But given his talent and hockey IQ, there's every reason to believe he can be a contributor right away. Adding two young, hungry, high-skill players at this point in the season is a major boost for the Phantoms. Both Luchanko and Ciernik bring energy, creativity, and fresh legs, which could be invaluable as the team fights for positioning down the stretch. For Flyers fans, this is also a glimpse into the future. Luchanko and Ciernik are both part of the next wave of young talent that could make an impact in Philadelphia in the coming years. But for now, their focus will be on helping Lehigh Valley in its playoff quest—and giving excited fans a taste of what can they bring to the table after a full season of development.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vancouver Canucks Prospects Power Barrie Past Guelph
There was a tightly contested battle in the Ontario Hockey League on Wednesday night, Feb. 26, between one of the top teams in the East, and one of the worst teams in the West. The Barrie Colts marched their way into the Sleeman Centre to take on the rebuilding Guelph Storm. These two franchises met earlier in the year back on Oct. 26 in Barrie where the Colts handily defeated the Storm 6-1 thanks to a two-goal three-point performance by Dallas Stars prospect Brad Gardiner. Gardiner scored 52 seconds into that game. Their rematch on Wednesday took a bit longer until the deadlock was broken. Vancouver Canucks 2024 fourth-rounder Riley Patterson opened the scoring 5:15 into the second period off a perfect set dump-in play by 2025 NHL draft top prospect Kashawn Aitcheson. The Colts score on a crazy bounce 🚨😱The puck takes a wild bounce on the dump in and right to @Canucks prospect Riley Patterson who puts home his 23rd goal of the season to give the @OHLBarrieColts a 1-0 lead!#OHL | @CHLHockey — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 27, 2025 Patterson read the play beautifully and scored his team-leading 23rd of the season. Off the ensuing faceoff, Guelph stormed (pun intended) back, tying the game up just 24 seconds later with Jake Karabela's eighth of the season. Philadelphia Flyers 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko has had a challenging season in Guelph. He has been surrounded by limited talent and has had to lead his team's offensive effort in every game. Five minutes after Karabela's goal, Luchanko read Barrie's reversal behind the net, intercepted the pass, and circled around the net before sniping it over the shoulder of Ben Hrebik to give Guelph a 2-1 lead. THE STORM TAKE THE LEAD 🚨@NHLFlyers prospect Jett Luchanko takes the buck from behind the net, steps out in front and snipes it short side into the Barrie net for his 18th goal of the season to give the @Storm_City a 2-1 lead!#OHL | @CHLHockey — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 27, 2025 The Colts management went all in before the trade deadline and brought in two players who played pivotal roles in the North Bay Battalion's last two playoff runs to the Eastern Conference Finals: Owen Van Steensel and Anthony Romani. Van Steensel, committed to Clarkson University for next season, sprung on a breakaway later in the period. He went forehand-backhand to score his 16th of the season and tie the game up 2-2. Luchanko's rise in the NHL draft rankings at the last minute can be attributed to his outstanding performance at the 2024 draft combine. He showcased his athletic abilities by finishing first in three events. Luchanko flashed his athleticism and explosive straight-line speed one minute into the third period with a highlight-reel goal for his second of the game. Moves like Jett 🕺@NHLFlyers prospect and @Storm_City captain Jett Luchanko shows off his skills as he speeds down the ice and dangles the defender before powering his way to a goal to earn the #BestOfOHL clip of the night!#OHLxMilkUP | @MilkUPOntario — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 27, 2025 Guelph came into the game 28 points behind Barrie in the overall standings. However, they were giving the Colts everything they got and weren't backing down from a team loaded with NHL-drafted prospects. Alas, another one of those NHL-affiliated prospects found the back of the net shortly after Luchanko put the Storm ahead by one. The Vancouver Canucks 2024 sixth-round draft pick, Anthony Romani, corralled the errand puck and walked into the slot. Romani finished last season with the most goals in the regular season with 58. A player with his release cannot be given the time and space in a high-danger area to shoot. Romani made no mistake and ripped home his 11th of the season — ninth since acquired by Barrie — and the game was yet again tied. That goal was also the 100th goal of his OHL career. The Canucks had their prospects all over the scoresheet in this contest and Patterson wasn't satisfied with just the one goal he had scored in the second. Barrie defenseman Grayson Tiller blasted a one-timer from the top of the point on the powerplay. Patterson floated into the eyes of Guelph's young netminder Colin Ellsworth and redirected it in for his second of the game. BARRIE TAKES A LATE LEAD ON THE POWER PLAY 🚨@Canucks prospect Riley Patterson gets his second goal of the game as he tips a point shot in to the net to put the @OHLBarrieColts into the lead with less than five minutes left in regulation!#OHL | @CHLHockey — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) February 27, 2025 The Colts had a 4-3 lead with five minutes remaining in the game. In the final two minutes of the third period, Barrie's 6-foot-4 defenseman and intriguing right-shot prospect for the upcoming NHL draft, Evan Passmore, cross-checked Guelph forward Carter Stevens into the boards. The Storm headed to the powerplay down by one. On the 6-on-4 man advantage, Luchanko found Guelph's leading scorer Charlie Paquette back door and tied the game with four seconds left on the clock. Luchanko finished the game with three points and the game's first star. He now has recorded 22 points in his last 13 games. Overtime didn't solve anything and the game needed a shootout to decide the winner. Patterson was stopped on his attempt but his NHL-affiliated Canucks teammate Romani scored on his attempt. Guelph's Lev Katzin also scored and the shootout was headed to a round four. Utah Hockey Club 2024 first-rounder Cole Beaudoin scored the shootout-winner, as the Colts escaped with a 5-4 victory over the Storm. Bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league.
