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PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The Philadelphia Flyers have embraced a rebuilding effort they hope will turn them into Stanley Cup contenders in the near future.

The 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase gave a preliminary glimpse at potential stars of the upcoming revival.

Eight prospects from the Flyers, the highest number in the NHL, participated in a key event held across the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland. This event, which concluded on Saturday, serves as the first stage in selecting team rosters for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The championship will take place in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5.

“Clearly, it’s thrilling,” said Keith Jones, Flyers President of Hockey Operations. “We are delighted that our team members are getting the chance to participate in international competitions. I believe that experience is extremely valuable.”

Among the players were five for Canada: goalie Carson Bjarnason, defensemen Oliver Bonk and Carter Sotheran, and forwards Denver Barkey and Jett Luchanko.

Bonk, a first-round pick (No. 22) from Ottawa in the 2023 NHL Draft, was the only one out of the four who represented Canada in the 2024 WJC. Because he was returning, he did not travel to Plymouth following his participation in exhibition games in Windsor, Ontario, the previous week. The 19-year-old has the opportunity to play in the NHL this season; however, it is anticipated that he will go back to London’s Ontario Hockey League and join one of the top two defense pairs for Canada at the WJC.

“Playing in his hometown might seem like a lot of pressure to many, especially since it’s for Canada in Ottawa. However, he absolutely loves it,” said Riley Armstrong, Flyers director of player development. “I’m certain it’s going to be an amazing experience for him, as all his friends and family will be able to watch.”

But realistically, he’s likely to approach it as if he’s playing another hockey game, which is his usual mindset. It’s quite a mature attitude for such a young player, which is why I believe he’s on the brink of becoming an NHL player.

The 19-year-old Barkey, who was selected in the third round (No. 95) of the 2023 draft, could also be crucial for Canada. He tied for fourth in the OHL last season, scoring 102 points (35 goals, 67 assists) in 64 games with London.

He is anticipated to play as a winger upon reaching the NHL, but during his tenure with Canada, he has been positioned at center.

“Since playing center at 16 in London, I haven’t revisited the position, so adapting has been necessary,” said Barkey. “However, to secure a place on this team, I need to be flexible and capable of fitting into any position in the lineup.”

The Flyers see in Barkey (5-foot-9, 155 pounds) as another version of forward Travis Konecny (5-10, 192), who led them with 68 points (33 goals, 35 assists) in 76 games last season and signed an eight-year, $70 million contract ($8.75 million average annual value) on July 25.

Barkey acknowledged that he needs to increase his strength to make it to the NHL, and stated that he has already gained 10 pounds since the beginning of the previous season.

Armstrong said, “Once Barkey matures and gains a bit more strength, you will see him at a different level. This may take two or three years, but once he achieves this, I believe he will become a really good player.”

I’m absolutely certain that he’s destined to be an NHL player. His game thinking is just like another ‘TK’.

The Flyers believe that Barkey’s performance in the first half of the previous season was sufficient to secure a spot on the 2024 WJC roster. They view his participation in the 2025 tournament as a recognition of the significant effort he has already contributed.

Witnessing Bjarnason team up with Barkey and Bonk at the WJC would be a significant achievement for the 19-year-old. Despite starting the previous season as a potential player for Canada in the WJC, his early struggles led to him not being chosen. However, his performance improved throughout the season, culminating in a 24-17-4 record with a 3.01 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, and two shutouts in 46 games for the Western Hockey League’s Brandon team.

“Armstrong stated, “I’m aware that he didn’t begin the year as he had hoped, likely because he put a lot of pressure on himself to join the World Junior team. Therefore, I believe it’s wonderful that he has another opportunity to try again this year.”

In Canada’s 8-6 win against Finland at the USA Hockey Arena on Friday, Bjarnason made eight saves out of nine shots in 31:02 minutes of ice time. He will once again enter the season as a potential candidate for Canada’s No. 1 goalie position.

“When the 2024 WJC rosters were released, I accepted them for what they were and continued with my game,” Bjarnason said. “This year, I’m hoping for a different outcome. My plan is to put my head down, focus mostly on the season, and see how everything unfolds.”

Also taking part for the Flyers were Finland forward Heikki Ruohonen, Sweden forward Jack Berglund and United States forward Noah Powell.

Powell has the potential to be the most surprising talent of the group. Despite being overlooked in the 2023 draft, the 19-year-old topped the United States Hockey League by scoring 43 goals in 61 games for Dubuque in the last season. He was later chosen in the fifth round (No. 148) of the 2024 draft.

“Armstrong described him as a powerhouse. “I believe he’s going to astonish the majority when this event begins,” he said.

In a game against Finland on Wednesday that ended in a 5-3 defeat, Powell (6-1, 201) executed a skillful pass under pressure which led to a goal by his teammate, Christopher Pelosi (Boston Bruins). He also maintained a strong physical presence throughout the game, at both ends of the ice.

“His speed, size, and physicality are impressive,” said U.S. coach David Carle. “But what surprised me the most was his excellent puck handling skills. I wasn’t aware of this part of his game. He has a unique ability to break away, take control of the puck, and then smartly identify and execute the next play.”

While having eight players at a summer hockey tournament doesn’t ensure future success, it does offer substantial hope for a franchise that failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for four consecutive seasons.

“Barkey acknowledged the abundance of youthful talent and promising hockey players emerging in the team. He firmly believes that they all merit their places in the team and feels thrilled about the potential they hold for the future. He expressed his excitement and optimism for what lies ahead.”