Several Philadelphia Flyers prospects are vying for a spot on the NHL roster for the 2025-2026 season, with some potentially making their debut. Here's a breakdown of some of the players who could make the jump to the NHL this season:
Forwards:
Alex Bump: Fresh off winning an NCAA National Championship, Bump joined the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and quickly became one of their best players. The Flyers' 2022 fifth-round pick has his sights set on making the NHL opening night roster. He is considered a high-impact forward who brings a championship pedigree.
Jett Luchanko: Luchanko, drafted 13th overall in 2024, made the Flyers' opening-night NHL roster last year, playing in four games before being reassigned to the OHL's Guelph Storm. A playmaking center with advanced two-way awareness, Luchanko is working on his shooting to keep opponents honest. If the Flyers don't address their center depth, they may try to force Luchanko into the NHL.
Porter Martone: The Flyers' sixth-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Martone is a highly skilled winger with elite hockey sense and physical upside. He put up impressive numbers in the OHL and is considered a potential gem for the Flyers. Martone's elite skill, hockey sense, and physical upside should be an asset to the team for years to come.
Nikita Grebenkin: Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Scott Laughton trade, Grebenkin quickly became a fan favorite with the Phantoms due to his personality and on-ice presence. He scored 11 points in 18 games in Lehigh Valley and has a knack for the power play. Grebenkin has an infectious personality, a gritty side, and skill.
Denver Barkey: Barkey captained the London Knights to an OHL championship and a Memorial Cup in 2025. Unless he sticks at center full-time, he'll likely start the season with the Phantoms.
Jack Nesbitt: Nesbitt was one of the strongest forwards from the 2025 NHL Draft.
Shane Vansaghi: Vansaghi body-checked his way through the NCAA as an 18-year-old freshman and could be a menacing third-line winger.
Jack Murtagh: One of the hardest-working players in the 2025 NHL Draft class, Murtagh has fan-favorite potential. With a strong shot and elite motor, he can be a nuisance even against older players.
Defensemen:
Oliver Bonk: Bonk immediately becomes the team's best defensive prospect. While he may need some AHL seasoning, his chances of making the opening night roster increase if Rasmus Ristolainen starts the season on injured reserve. Bonk had an excellent junior career with the London Knights and appeared for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships.
Helge Grans: With a fresh two-year extension, Grans will be in the mix to replace Ristolainen on opening night.
Goaltenders:
Other Prospects to Watch:
Several other prospects are expected to play for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2025-26, including Massimo Rizzo, Alexis Gendron, and Ethan Samson.
Ultimately, which prospects make their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season will depend on their performance in training camp and the preseason, as well as the Flyers' needs at each position. The Flyers are set to begin their 2025-26 season on October 9 against the Florida Panthers.
