And just like that, the 2023-23 season is officially over. Following a dramatic Game 7 between the Panthers and Oilers in this year’s Stanley Cup Final, all eyes in the hockey world will now quickly turn to Las Vegas for the 2024 NHL Draft.
Given just how difficult it is to win the greatest trophy in sports, teams look for any edge possible to give them an advantage over the competition. That edge can come from anywhere — including coaching, roster makeup, player development, ice conditions, etc. Ultimately, the difference can be a single moment, even a lucky goal. Often, it all begins with players selected at the draft, as that can be seen as the seeds of a team’s future lineup.
This will be the last article in our Player Profile series before we provide our annual LA Kings Draft Predictions. As every team is looking for that extra edge or advantage, let’s take one last look at a player who could potentially give that to Los Angeles.
Jett Luchanko
Vitals
Date of Birth: August 21, 2006
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 183 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Forward
2023-24 Season
Luchanko spent the entirety of 2023-24 playing for the OHL’s Guelph Storm. In 68 games, he recorded 74 points (20 G, 54 A).
Power Player
A native of London, Ontario, Luchanko was quite productive when his team had the man advantage. He was tied for second in the entire OHL with 20 powerplay assists.
Smart AND Sporty
Luchanko had some league-wide respect at the end of the season. He was awarded the William Hanley Trophy, which goes to the league’s Most Sportsmanlike Player. The coaches also voted him second in the Smartest Player and Hardest Worker categories among Western Conference teams.
Combine the Tests
Luchanko was an attendee at the NHL Draft Combine earlier this month and produced several top-10 scores in the physical fitness testing, with the following numbers:
Pro Agility – Right Time (sec): 4.23 (t-2nd)
Mean Power Output (watts/kg): 12.9 (1st)
Peak Power Output (watts/kg): 16.2 (21st)
Fatigue Index: 42.3 (7th)
Juhasz % Body Fat: 7.2 (t-7th)
Vertical Jump (inches): 24.63 (2nd)
Squat Jump (inches): 18 (8th)
No Arm Jump (inches): 21.11 (4th)
Left Hand Grip (lbs): 172 (1st)
Right Hand Grip (lbs): 175 (1st)
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No. 32 by Future Considerations. “Luchanko is a speedy right-shot center known for his skating and high hockey IQ in all three zones. He has an impressive initial burst and top-end speed, making him look like he’s flying on the ice. His skating significantly aids him in the defensive and neutral zones, allowing him to close oppo-
nents’ time and space quickly and pressure them effectively. He plays smartly within his structure but can take risks to force turnovers due to his quick recovery. Luchanko constantly scans and surveys threats in the defensive zone, protecting the low slot well and knowing when to pressure and when to sit back. Offensively, his IQ shines as he makes decisions before receiving the puck, always thinking one play ahead. While his stickhandling could be crisper, he exudes confidence through the neutral zone at top speed.”
Ranked No. 12 by Hockey Prospect. “The number one asset of Luchanko’s game is his brain. He thinks the game at a very high level. Offensively, more often than not, he knows exactly what he’s going to do on the ice before he even receives the puck. His processor is really fast, and that helps him in both his passing game in the offensive zone and in transition. He makes players around him better; his vision, ability to think at a high level, and ability to pass the puck on both his forehand and backhand are helpful in that regard. He’s good at getting his passes or shots deflected by teammates around the net. He’s good at moving pucks cross-ice to his teammates for one-timer scoring chances. He excels at finding the perfect time to make a pass while passing lanes open up, keeping that puck on his stick for that extra second. He hides his intentions well when in the playmaker role, with eyes in the back of his head. Even on off-days when he might not have the strongest game, he’s going to make a pass that is going to break your jaw. Regarded as one of the best playmakers from his draft class, he finished tied for second in the OHL for assists on the power play, alongside OHL MVP Easton Cowan. To put his importance to the team into perspective, Guelph only ranked 14th in the OHL in terms of power-play efficiency.”
Ranked No. 34 by Elite Prospects. “As soon as he steps on the ice, Luchanko increases the pace of the game two-fold. One second, he’s on the heel of an opponent carrying the puck in the neutral zone, and the next, he’s piercing right through the opposing formation with the puck on his own stick. His speed makes him a retrieval and pressure machine, and his precise position and attention to details, one of the better defensive forwards in the class.”
See For Yourself
Here is video of Luchanko playing against the OHL’s Peterborough Petes:
Final Comments
Luchanko is a feisty, utility forward who can play in all situations. He gets utilized both on the powerplay and penalty kill, and demands on him grew exponentially when top center Matthew Poitras spent the season with the Boston Bruins. Given that he’s three weeks away from being 2025 draft eligible, this is a kid who had to mature quickly.
The 5-foot-11 frame stands out, as it’s a little smaller than league average. Despite his strong physique (as evidenced by showing up so high in several combine tests), he falls down a lot. This seems less to do with skating mechanics or poor fitness, but an attitude of “going for it” at any cost, even at the risk of balance. In some ways, it’s reminiscent of Blake Lizotte. His size also seems to have an impact on shooting, as it lacks velocity. Again, strength isn’t the issue here – shooting hard also involves proper technique that he’s yet to master. While his shot does lack pop, he’s still capable of firing the puck mid-stickhandle, which gives goalies a hard time to set.
Luchanko’s combination of speed, acceleration, and confidence are fun to watch when he has the puck. His brain is clearly moving as fast as his feet. His changing angles catch defenders off guard, requiring them to make perfect defensive plays to thwart him. Involved teammates make him exponentially more dangerous. He often makes subtle fakes: a shoulder dip, turn of the stick, or an off-stride will make a defenseman bite, and by the time they’ve committed to reacting, the skilled forward has already directed the puck to a teammate involved in the attack.
Guelph’s leading scorer does so much more than providing offense. He punches above his weight, willingly checking opponents regardless of their size. His conscientiousness on the penalty kill is remarkable as he willingly gets into shooting lanes. The willingness to engage in board battles makes him a good option to play on the bottom-six even if the scoring doesn’t evolve.
While not a can’t-miss prospect, he’s arguably as safe a pick as U-18 Canada teammate Cole Beaudoin. His size is the one uncontrollable factor, and even that is just slightly below average. Aside from that, his feistiness, skillset, and intelligence can be used in virtually any role. When a team needs that last goal in a game seven, it helps to have someone who can do a bit of everything to give that edge.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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