The Flyers are a team who probably aren't going to have high playoff hopes heading into the regular season. But with a young and developing team, and still a lot of housework to be done, there could be some fresh young talent on the way up, and here's three players who are poised to make the opening night roster.
Jett Luchanko
As one of the more recent Flyers first-round picks, Jett Luchanko was Philadelphia's 14th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, and despite already featuring in four NHL games already, this season could be the year he breaks through the glass ceiling and starts to become a common part of the Flyers lineup.
After being selected with the Flyers' first round pick in last year's draft off the back of a 74 point season in the OHL with Guelph Storm, Luchanko continued his time in juniors with a 56 point season in the OHL, earning himself four starts with the Flyers to kick off his NHL career.
Having already played one preseason game with the Flyers, Luchanko will be one of the younger players looking to break into a very weak Flyers lineup for the opening night, and could easily earn his spot in the lineup as a versatile right shot forward. Whether he joins the fourth or third line as a winger, a spot on the right hand side that the Flyers could use some youth makes sense, and with some statement preseason performances, Luchanko could well do enough to make the team.
Although he will be battling against a good group of young talent looking to earn their chance, Luchanko's two-way skill and overall jump to the NHL speed in recent months could be enough for his name to be considered, but if his name isn't in the hat, it only gives him more time to perfect his craft and be the versatile two-way handyman they project him to be.
Alex Bump
Out of all the rookies who could potentially make the night one roster, Western Michigan's Alex Bump, and former 5th round pick back in 2022 is showing signs of being an NHL-ready guy, and a sharpshooter that the Flyers could put the the test straight away. Winning a national championship in college while being arguably Western Michigan's best player is only one of the many things Bump achieved in college, and now after signing his entry level contract, his talents could be put to the test in the NHL as early as opening night.
Bump, who has been playing at the elite NCAA level for the last two seasons, has impressed and exceeded his draft value massively after scoring 47 points in the NCAA last season, and becoming a high scope NHL talent. Standing at six foot, his speed and playmaking in general is something that new head coach Rick Tocchet could look to utilise for the upcoming season. As a naturally lethal shooter with an eye for goal, Bump is arguably one of the Flyers most anticipated prospects, and through his first game in preseason has shown that the speed of the game is nothing to worry about.
As an out-and-out point producer, his highlights from Western Michigan show how productive he can be, and how he can change games by himself. For a team who is lacking a thrilling and exciting winger, Bump's chances of making the opening night roster are probably the highest among his competitors, and is definitely a name to keep in mind for Flyers fans.
Nikita Grebenkin
Full of personality and flair, Nikita Grebenkin is not only an aspiring NHL two-way winger, but as a locker room guy, he is what every franchise wants. Acquired last season in the Scott Laughton trade package with the Maple Leafs, Grebenkin began with the Flyers AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, and has now been given the opportunity to break into Rick Tochett's opening night lineup alongside Russian compatriot Matvei Michkov.
Grebenkin is a player who works so hard on the ice, as seen during his seven game stretch with the Maple Leafs last season, his offensive abilities are there, and his workload capabilities are something very impressive. Through training camp it has been obvious that Grebenkin is one of the stand out guys, and his improvement to meet NHL standards has sky rocketed, suggesting his game could be ready to be an avid NHL starter.
Not only is his ability what catches eyes, but something he brings to the table is personality and competitiveness, assets Tocchet will love. As one of the only Russians in camp, bringing Grebenkin up to the NHL would be a great thing for Michkov, a native teammate who could provide lots of comfort for the first round pick, and on the ice, can bring what he is best at, forechecking hard hockey.