Although the Philadelphia Flyers are currently in a playoff spot, the primary goal is to develop young talent. The team is focused on identifying said talent and molding them into NHL-caliber players to build its next winning core.
It appears this strategy is working as two rookie skaters for the AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, are having strong seasons. Both Denver Barkey and Alex Bump have proven they belong in a small sample.
Both players have appeared in 25 games this season and rank in the top five on the team in points. Barkey has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points, while Bump has six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. Their performances are a large reason why the Phantoms are third in the Atlantic Division. But how does this strong start affect their development and futures in the organization?
What does the future of Denver Barkey and Alex Bump look like?
Coming into the season, Barkey had some hype around him when the Flyers picked him 95th overall back in the 2023 NHL Draft. He was praised for his playmaking and speed. At the junior level, he had been able to blow past defenders and create scoring chances. His speed also helps him avoid pressure and get out of tricky situations. Because of this, many believed he could develop into a decent middle-six forward.
The biggest weakness in Barkey's game is his size. He is listed at 5'9", weighing 170 pounds, which is a bit undersized for an NHL-caliber center. Many are concerned that his small frame will be no match for the physicality of the NHL game. However, this has not been much of a problem during his time in the AHL. As good as he's done, it's unlikely we'll see him in the Flyers lineup this year. The best thing he can do is spend a full season in the AHL, get entirely comfortable with the physical play, then compete for a spot next season.
On the other hand, Bump entered the organization without much fanfare. He was the 133rd pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. While he was a fifth-round pick, many praised his offensive ability. He was seen as a player who puts up strong numbers and uses his high hockey IQ to get past defenses. He also had the physical play to complement his game. He's not going to get bullied on the ice and is not afraid to lay out a big hit when needed.
While this seems like a player with a lot of promise, there are noticeable flaws in his game. For starters, he's struggled with his skating throughout his career. He's also had problems with consistency, going through frequent cold streaks. Even with these problems, Bump has a chance to make his NHL debut this season. It's not imminent, but if he can keep these numbers up and play well the next couple of months, he could see a call-up sometime in February or March.
Regardless of whether Bump or Barkey make the NHL this season, their future in the organization is very bright. If they continue to develop with the Phantoms, it will not only help them win games, but also the future of the Flyers.