VOORHEES, N.J. – If he makes the opening night roster, Jett Luchanko will be the youngest player ever to compete in a Flyers uniform.
But you wouldn’t know it from watching him practice with the older regulars in training camp at the Flyers Training Center.
Luchanko, who just turned 18 on Aug. 21, has been turning heads practically since the first day of rookie camp back on Sept. 11.
Selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft in June, Luchanko has looked comfortable in all situations, including preseason game action at Washington and Montreal.
The London, Ontario native posted 20 goals/74 points in 68 games last season and while that’s not exactly sensational for junior hockey, it would seem to indicate he’s comfortable – and efficient – around the net.
Currently, the youngest player ever to wear a Flyers uniform is Dainius Zubrus, who saw his first NHL action 111 days after his 18th birthday.
Coach John Tortorella says he needs to see more before passing any judgment on the talented center Luchanko.
“I haven’t seen him long enough,” Tortorella said on Wednesday at FTC. “We’re practicing, we haven’t played a whole bunch of exhibition games.
“He’s handled himself very well at camp. He’s in elite condition. You can see that, the amount of skating he’s done. He just keeps goin’. He’s a strong kid, bigger than I thought. He’s just handled himself really well.”
Both Luchanko and 19-year-old Matvei Michkov are trying to make a roster which has few openings. Many have already penciled Michkov onto one of the team’s top two lines.
Tortorella wants to watch Luchanko in more preseason action before making a final evaluation. The player did survive the first round of cuts from 58 to 44 on Wednesday.
“He’s a smart player, he doesn’t have to ask many questions,” Tortorella said. “I think he gets it.”
After practice, Luchanko had a steady tone to his voice as he answered media questions.
“It’s just kind of cool to be around these guys who know the league and try and watching and learning from them as much as I can,” Luchanko said. “It’s kind of where I’m at right now.”
If he’s intimidated by the whole thing, it’s not affecting his play.
“Obviously, with these guys around, it’s hard not to be star-struck like that,” Luchanko said. “But given the day, it’s just hockey. When you go on the ice, it’s business as usual.”
One aspect of Luchanko’s game that still might need some work is his shot.
“It’s something I worked on over the summer,” Luchanko said. “I’m still working on it as much as I can. I think there’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s right at the top of my list.
Steadying the nerves is the big thing. Just strive to be the best and focus on that.
“I think it’s something I’ve always tried to take pride in,” he said. “Doing everything to the best of my ability. Hopefully the coaches can put me over the boards at any time.
“Everything seems to be not too much so far. I don’t think there have been any issues with that.”
Luchanko collided with big defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen a couple times on Wednesday and wound up on the seat of his pants at least once. It was truly a welcome-to-the-NHL moment.
“These guys are no joke when it comes to the strength side of it,” Luchanko admitted. “They’ve been doing it for a while. Its just something I have to deal with and grow from.”
Both Joel Farabee and Sean Couturier made the NHL in their teens. Any help they can give Luchanko will be welcome.
“It’s how he plays the game,” Farabee said. “Jett, as a center, it’s not easy to step into an NHL game. He’s done a really good job in my opinion of just being responsible. His instincts take over, he’s not really thinking too much. I don’t know what their plans are with him but he’s played well enough in my opinion so far to remain with the team, whether it’s practicing or getting into a couple more preseason games.”
Couturier, the team captain, likes Luchanko’s attitude.
“You can see he seems to be a mature kid who goes along really well with his business,” Couturier said. “I feel he knows what it takes to be a pro. He seems to want to get better. And this opportunity and experience are in his favor. He’s got a bright future and he’s a big part of this rebuild for sure.”
