The Philadelphia Flyers organization wants to take the next step in their rebuild. Whether that is the right decision or not remains to be seen, as they still need upgrades. While they may look outside the organization to fill the top six spots, opportunities will be given to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to make the jump.
Jett Luchanko
Luchanko was the team’s first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. He had a shot to make the Flyers, and the organization likely wants him to take the next step with the big club. After four games, though, he was sent back to juniors to give him more time to develop.
He joined the Phantoms at the end of the regular season. While his numbers did not look great in the regular season, he put up six points in seven playoff games for the AHL affiliate. He continued to get more comfortable with the team in the postseason and made some big plays and had some good scoring chances.
The organization needs centers and, under the team’s new coach, Rick Tocchet, he might be given more of an opportunity to make the team.
Luchanko may be considered an amateur prospect, but since he played a bit with the Phantoms this past season, it seems unlikely that they want to send him back down.
Rodrigo Abols
The Flyers liked Abols enough to sign him to a contract extension just a few weeks ago. Danny Briere gave him a good look last season over 22 NHL games. His numbers were modest, but he continued to look like he belonged with the Flyers with time.
The center is a big guy, standing at 6’4” who could serve a good role as a bottom-six forward. He was 29 before he made his NHL debut, but that may not play much of a factor. If Jett Luchanko does not make the team, Abols may be given more of an opportunity. Worst case scenario, he will be a call up if an opening presents itself.
Jacob Gaucher
Gaucher is yet another big dude, standing at 6’3”. At 185 pounds, he needs to put on a lot of muscle this offseason to stand a chance at making the team. This was the center’s second season with the Phantoms, and he made big strides notching 38 regular season points in the regular season and six in seven postseason games.
The Flyers called him up for four games this past season after he earned an NHL contract. So, they have some interest in giving him a chance to make the team. At 24, he might need to find more ways to stand out than younger, hungry prospects.
Alex Bump
Bump may not be one of the top prospects within the organization, but he’s made some big strides this season. As a sophomore, he was Western Michigan’s top scorer, the alma mater of Keith Jones, with 47 points in 42 games.
The Flyers signed the left winger to a deal in April after he helped Western Michigan win the 2025 NCAA D1 Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. He had three points in two regular-season games for the Phantoms and two goals in seven playoff games.
At 6’2”, he’s a bigger, stronger left winger with a big shot and leadership qualities. Making the Flyers this season may be up to him. If he can take his game to the next level with hard work and perseverance this offseason, he could be a standout in Development Camp.
Parker Gahagen
Gahagen is a dark horse. The goalie is a career journeyman with no NHL experience. He played for five different organizations during six seasons, never playing more than 22 regular-season games for a team.
At 32, one could make the case that he is a late bloomer. Gahagen played two seasons with the Phantoms and put up good numbers in both. In the 2024-25 season, he helped lead the team to the AHL playoffs, going 3-1-0 with a .929 save percentage and 2.00 goals against average.
The Flyers need help in the net, and, shy of making a big move, the backup spot may be up for grabs, especially if Alexei Kolosov does indeed leave North America. It would be a surprise if he did not get a look with the big club at least. That is, if the team converts his deal into an NHL one.
Not every spot on the team can be filled via free agency or trade. Some will be in-house upgrades. As the Flyers do not have any blue-chip prospects, players from the Phantoms will have more opportunities to make the team.