NHL Debut: Denver Barkey (Dec. 20, 2025)

Fresh off an impressive junior hockey career that was capped off by a Memorial Cup championship with the London Knights last June, Denver Barkey is set to make his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers this afternoon.

In 26 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms during his rookie AHL season, Barkey has recorded 16 points (7-9–16), placing him fourth in team scoring.

Drafted 95th overall by the Flyers in 2023, Barkey was the co-recipient of the Ed Chynoweth Award for leading the 2025 Memorial Cup in scoring with seven points. Across two consecutive Memorial Cup tournaments, he totaled 11 points (4-7–11), including two goals in the 2025 championship game.

Barkey spent all four of his junior seasons with the Knights, appearing in 228 games and amassing 258 points (89-169–258). He captained the team in his final year and was awarded the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, recognizing him as the OHL Humanitarian of the Year for his community work through his “Barkey’s Buds” program in partnership with the London Knights Fan Club.

“He deserves it,” said Phantoms head coach John Snowden. “He’s done everything we’ve asked of him this year. I’ve said it from the start – he’s a hockey player. He’s going to find his way to be a very good player for a very long time, and this is the start for him.”