Bulldogs Trio Take Next Step with NHL and AHL Recalls
Following the conclusion of the Brantford Bulldogs’ playoff run, three members of the club are taking the next step in their hockey careers, as first-round NHL Draft picks Jett Luchanko, Adam Jiricek and Jake O’Brien have all earned professional recalls ahead of the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup Playoffs.
Following Brantford’s season, Philadelphia Flyers prospect and 13th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Jett Luchanko, has joined the Flyers for the Stanley Cup Playoffs after splitting the 2025-26 season between the Guelph Storm and Brantford Bulldogs.
Luchanko opened the year with Philadelphia, appearing in four NHL games before returning to the Ontario Hockey League. He recorded 17 points (2-15–17) in 11 games with the Storm before being acquired by the Bulldogs in November. Following the move, he produced 26 points (5-21–26) in 27 games with Brantford. Internationally, Luchanko also represented Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping the club capture a bronze medal.
Transaction: We have recalled forward Jett Luchanko from the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL). pic.twitter.com/LhbDAE2QYp
— x – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) May 6, 2026
Bulldogs defenceman and 16th overall pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2024 NHL Draft, Adam Jiricek, has joined the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds for the Calder Cup Playoffs, marking the first professional recall of his career.
Coming off a career-best season in Brantford, Jiricek more than tripled his offensive production from the previous year, finishing with 59 points (19-40–59) from the blueline before adding another 22 points in 15 playoff games. Internationally, he has represented Team Czechia at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships.
Welcome to the Thunderdome, Adam Jiricek! pic.twitter.com/cFsEzSkCBu
— Springfield Thunderbirds (@ThunderbirdsAHL) May 6, 2026
Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O’Brien, selected eighth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, has also earned his first professional recall, joining the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the Calder Cup Playoffs after captaining the Bulldogs during a standout campaign.
O’Brien continued to establish himself as one of the OHL’s premier offensive talents this season, recording 93 points (28-65–93) in 55 regular-season games before adding 23 more points during the playoffs.
Jake O'Brien has been reassigned to the @Firebirds for the Calder Cup Playoffs!#LetsFly #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/nboJY1GZB7
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) May 8, 2026
The trio now joins their respective professional clubs as postseason action continues at the NHL and AHL levels, marking another significant milestone for the Bulldogs organization and its player development pathway.
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