Storm’s Jett Luchanko opens season with NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers rolled out their opening night roster, one that includes 18-year-old Guelph Storm centreman Jett Luchanko included on the 23-man list.
Selected 13th overall by the Flyers this past summer, Luchanko has impressed throughout the preseason in Philadephia, drawing praise from Flyers head coach John Tortorella at Monday’s media availability.
“You could see his maturity right away,” said the veteran coach. “He deserves to be where he is right now, he deserves just through his play and just how he’s handled himself.
“We’re going to let the kid play and have conversations as we’re playing the games and see where it goes from there.”
Luchanko, from London, Ont., led Guelph in scoring during the 2023-24 season, producing 20 goals, 54 assists and 74 points over 68 games. The 5-foot-11 pivot plays a high-speed game, and is the second Storm forward in recent years to appear poised to make the jump to the NHL early. The Boston Bruins kept centreman Matthew Poitras on their roster for the entirety of the 2023-24 season.
Luchanko was a standout in last year’s OHL Coaches Poll, emerging as the only player to be featured as a top-three finisher in four different voting categories.
The Flyers open their season on Friday in Vancouver.
Hear from head coach John Tortorella and forward Jett Luchanko following Monday's practice at @FlyersTCenter. #LetsGoFlyers
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 7, 2024
