The Flyers have made a strategic move by signing forward Alex Ciernik to a three-year entry-level contract, set to kick off in the 2026-27 season. This development marks a significant moment for the young Slovak winger, who was initially picked by the Flyers in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Ciernik, born in Germany but of Slovak descent, carries the legacy of his father, former NHL player Ivan Ciernik. His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward.
After a brief stint with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on an amateur tryout contract in the 2024-25 season, Ciernik chose to hone his skills overseas. He split his time between Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan with Nybro Vikings IF and Finland’s Liiga with Lahti Pelicans during the 2025-26 season.
Now at 21, Ciernik is ready to make his mark in North America. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 179 pounds, this left-shooting forward is known for his explosive speed and offensive prowess. While his development has been gradual, many see him as a hidden gem poised to become a valuable NHL player.
The signing has been confirmed by multiple sources, including his agency, Octagon Hockey, and his recent teams, all of whom are celebrating his return to the Flyers organization. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ciernik’s European experience will translate to success on North American ice.