Philadelphia Flyers Sign 2024 First-Rounder Jett Luchanko to Entry Level Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers avoided the Cutter Gauthier effect in 2024 as they did not let Development Camp finish without signing their first-round selection in this year’s NHL Draft to an Entry Level contract. According to Daniel Briere, Jett Luchanko signed his three-year ELC over the July 4th Holiday weekend. The contract is slide-eligible for two seasons, meaning the Flyers can delay Luchanko’s entry into the NHL until he completes all four seasons in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), if necessary.

Luchanko Selected By Philadelphia in the 2024 NHL Draft

The 17-year-old forward was the 13th overall selection after a 74-point season with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Luchanko received the William Hanley Trophy for sportsmanship in his draft-eligible season and given Briere’s post-draft comments, the quick signing is not shocking. 

“We feel he’s just he’s just starting to tap his potential,” Briere said. “He’s always one of the hardest workers on both sides of the ice. His vision, his hockey sense are high-end.

Last season, Briere had his hand forced with 5th overall selection from 2023, Cutter Gauthier. He navigated the difficult situation by acquiring a 22-year-old blueliner in a deal with Anaheim, Jamie Drysdale, and a draft pick that is currently part of the six top-65 selections in next season’s draft owned by Philadelphia. 

Expect the Jett to Fly Back to Canada for the 2024-25 Season

Despite signing his entry-level deal, it would be expected that Jett Luchanko will return to Guelph for a third season in the OHL to develop further potential that Briere has highly praised since his selection over a week ago. The 6-foot-0 forward scored 14 points in 2022-23 before surging to the plus-70 mark in 2023-24.  

Internationally, it would be wise to keep an eye on Jett Luchank’s status with Team Canada heading into 2024-25. At the IIHF Under-18 World Championships, Jett scored 7 points in 7 games in a Gold Medal winning performance last May. Late in the Gold Medal game, the now-Flyer had a critical primary assist on Canada’s late go-ahead goal over the United States. 

The coaching staff for Team Canada’s 2025 World Junior Championship team was just announced on July 4th. Hockey Canada will be running a Canadian National Junior Team Summer Camp in Windsor at the end of July. 

AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File