Jett Luchanko is expected to begin his pro career with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after undergoing core muscle surgery about a month ago.
The Flyers’ 2024 first-round pick, taken 13th overall, had the procedure in early June 2026 to deal with a lower-body and core issue that had been bothering him for about one to two years. The problem was often described as groin-related, and it kept him out of the on-ice portions of Developmental Camp for a second straight year.
Even with that setback, the expectation was that Luchanko would get back on the ice shortly after the surgery and be ready for Training Camp.
Luchanko has now aged out of junior hockey in the OHL, and while he is still in the mix to compete for an NHL roster spot, the path most likely points to the AHL. Starting the 2026-27 season with the Phantoms would give him steadier playing time and more chances to add strength and pro experience as he continues his transition.
He already has some AHL time on his résumé with Lehigh Valley, including playoff action, and he has also split recent seasons between the Flyers, the OHL with Guelph and Brantford, and the Phantoms.
For a young forward dealing with a lingering injury while moving fully into the pro game, this fits the usual approach. Flyers fans and media have pointed out that updates on his injuries can be murky, but the surgery appears to have cleared up the long-term issue. The hope now is simple: a clean bill of health and a patient runway back to full form.
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