After the NCAA ruled that CHL players would be allowed to play collegiate hockey, junior players have more incentive to leave their teams earlier. We've already seen it play out with the expected 2026 first overall pick, Gavin McKenna. The rule could also help Flyers' first-round pick Porter Martone.
With the new CBA ratified and going into effect for the 2026-27 season, another rule for CHL players gives them an even better option to turn to the pro game sooner. Previously, players from the junior leagues could not play AHL hockey until they had either played all four years or turned 20 before January 1st.
That is until now. CHL players could turn to the AHL game a year earlier than before, according to a new reported provision in the CBA. As mentioned below, an organization can only pick one player per season from the junior leagues and place them with their AHL affiliate. Most likely, it would be a top prospect that the team wants a closer eye on.
Sources say a new provision in the CBA will allow each #NHL team to place one 19-year-old CHL player in the #AHL per season.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 10, 2025
One per organization per season and 18-year-olds are ineligible.
Begins in 2026-27 season.
Unfortunately for the Flyers, this comes a year too late with 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko. Luchanko appeared in four games for Philadelphia last season before he was eventually sent back to the Guelph Storm. Luchanko didn't necessarily stand out during the preseason or regular season to force the Flyers into keeping him around. But it didn't help that Philadelphia was in no state to look toward an 18-year-old to help them.
Luchanko improved on his goal total in 22 fewer games, but posted 18 fewer points. It's hard to hold that against him when he didn't have the most successful team around him. He remained on the team past the trade deadline, a surprise to most, as Guelph did not qualify for the postseason.
After his junior season came to an end, Luchanko debuted with the Phantoms at the end of the regular season, also appearing in their Calder Cup run. He failed to score a goal in a combined 16 games, but showed off some of his playmaking abilities, especially in the playoffs. He had six assists in seven games after three in nine regular-season games. His late-season play could be an encouraging sign.
If this new rule went into effect in the upcoming season, there's a good chance the Flyers would've had Luchanko build up his game at the AHL level. It would give them a closer eye on his play with their development staff. And, assuming he could be called up like any other player, they could bring him in when they felt he was ready.
Instead, the Flyers will be faced with the same dilemma as last season. Either they keep him in the NHL and hope he doesn't flounder, or lose him to Guelph for another year. The thing is that Luchanko doesn't have much else to learn in the OHL. The Storm have made offseason moves to try and get back into contention, but there's no guarantee.
They will get top-scorer Charlie Paquette back for his overage season. They also signed second-round pick Jaakko Wycisk and traded for Ethan Miedema last month. It gives Luchanko some help, but would it be enough for Guelph to be competitive?
Do the Flyers have a role for him in the NHL, though? Tyson Foerster's injury opens up a spot in the lineup. But Luchanko would be fighting with players like Alex Bump, Nikita Grebenkin, Karsen Dorwart, and Martone for what may only be one or two spots.
Luchanko will have to prove to the Flyers that he's learned from last year's experience and can be a valuable asset to a team hoping to be a contender soon as wel.