With the NHL on pause for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Philadelphia Flyers are making the most of their practice sessions, focusing on young talent. Among those getting a closer look is goaltender Carson Bjarnason, stepping in due to Dan Vladar's Olympic duties and Sam Ersson's injury. But the spotlight is also on 20-year-old defenseman Oliver Bonk, who’s tasting his first professional season.
Bonk's journey to the NHL practice rink is a testament to resilience. Initially a longshot for the Flyers’ roster, an injury sidelined him during training camp, delaying his AHL debut until December. Fast forward a couple of months, and he’s now skating with the big league team, albeit temporarily, until the Olympic roster freeze lifts on February 22.
After his first practice with the Flyers, Bonk shared his excitement: “Yeah, I mean it’s cool. This is where you want to be all the time, so it’s nice for sure.” While his stint is short-lived, it’s a valuable experience, offering him a taste of NHL life and a chance to acclimate for the future.
Recovering from his earlier injury, Bonk noted, “Once I got 10 games in, really felt like I was kind of back to normal.” Shedding rehab weight and regaining his skating prowess, he’s learning the ropes of professional preparation. “Definitely got a lot more stretching and rehab to do before every skate now,” he added, emphasizing the lessons in professionalism his recovery has taught him.
Bonk's stats tell a story of growth. With two goals and six points over 22 AHL games, his performance post-recovery-six points in 14 games-highlights his potential. As he wraps up his AHL season, the focus will shift to the Flyers' training camp, where he’ll aim to secure a permanent spot.
In the meantime, this experience is laying the groundwork for Bonk’s future, teaching him resilience and readiness-key ingredients for any athlete aspiring to make it in the NHL.