The 2026-27 NHL season is now in full swing, and so is the American Hockey League. The AHL is the next league under the NHL. The AHL serves as the farm team, where NHL prospects play to prepare for (hopefully) an eventual call-up to the big leagues.
The Philadelphia Flyers' AHL affiliate team, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are off to a rocky start, losing their first three games of the season. Although the Phantoms haven't won a game yet (just like the Flyers), there have still been some strong player performances to start the season.
Alex Bump
So far, Alex Bump has played in two games this season and has recorded three points via one goal and two assists. The Flyers are certain to be happy with this, since he was sent down last week after struggling at the NHL level.
Bump made the team to start the season, despite a not-so-strong training camp and preseason. He appeared in three games before he was sent down after the Michael Bunting signing. Getting his confidence back is the most important thing he can do right now.
Jacob Gaucher
On top of the leaderboard for the Phantoms to kick off the season is Jacob Gaucher, with four points from three goals and one assist. This is his fourth season playing in the AHL and with the Phantoms, and he is already off to a good start.
His speed and sharp eye make him a strong member of the Phantoms' core. As the season progresses, the Phantoms will need Gaucher to continue his excellent performance. He earned himself a one-year contract this season, with the Flyers still showing some belief in his game.
Oliver Bonk
Just like Bump, Oliver Bonk has been having a nice start to the season. He played in two of the Phantoms' three games to start the season and has recorded two assists and a plus-1. As a defenseman, it's nice to see his plus-minus rating in the positive. Bonk also has four penalty minutes, yet it is Noah Powell who leads the team in penalty minutes with a five-minute fighting major and a game misconduct.
Bonk recently joined the Flyers and has now slotted into the first defensive pairing alongside Travis Sanheim. Last season, he made his NHL debut in the final game of the regular season. He scored a goal and recorded an assist. Although Bonk is there to make a difference on defense, there's a chance he has the potential to make an offensive impact too.
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