The Philadelphia Flyers reassigned 19-year-old prospect Jett Luchanko back to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League on Monday after four scoreless NHL games this season. The move allows the 2024 first-round pick to play more minutes and prepare for the 2026 World Juniors. General manager Danny Briere emphasized the decision supports Luchanko's long-term development.
Jett Luchanko, selected 13th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, appeared in four games for the Flyers this season, registering zero points, one shot on goal, two penalty minutes and a minus-3 rating. He served as the fourth-line center under coach Rick Tocchet but saw limited ice time, averaging just 8:58 per game, and was a healthy scratch for the past two contests, replaced by Rodrigo Abols.
This marks the second straight season Luchanko has played four scoreless NHL games before returning to Guelph. Last year, under coach John Tortorella, he earned more opportunities in a middle-six role, including penalty kill and power play duties, with an average of 14:03 ice time. Tortorella praised Luchanko's speed and defensive awareness, stating he was 'not afraid' to match him against top players like Connor McDavid.
A lingering groin injury sidelined Luchanko from rookie camp, and he struggled to secure consistent playing time despite improving later in training camp. In the OHL last season, he recorded 21 goals and 35 assists for 56 points in 46 games with a struggling Guelph team, where he served as captain for the second half. He then joined the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms, contributing nine assists in 16 regular-season and playoff games and earning praise as their best player down the stretch.
Briere explained the reassignment: 'He could have stayed here. He showed that he can play, but we want more than that for him in the long run and we felt at this point it was time for him to start playing high minutes and more of an offensive role.' The move also prepares Luchanko for Team Canada at the 2026 World Juniors. Tocchet noted challenges due to league age rules preventing an AHL assignment, saying, 'It sucks because he’s in that mushy middle,' and highlighted needs for Luchanko to improve his shooting mentality and offensive use of speed.
Guelph currently sits eighth in the OHL's Western Conference with a 6-5-2 record. Briere remains optimistic: 'He’s going to play in the NHL. There’s no doubt about that. How high does he get? That’s really up to him.' The Flyers hope this path fosters growth, projecting Luchanko as a reliable bottom-six center with potential for more.