Flyers Sign High-Scoring Forward Prospect To 3-Year Deal

After watching an explosive breakout season in juniors, the Philadelphia Flyers have signed top-5 prospect Denver Barkey to a three-year entry-level contract. 

OFFICIAL: We have signed forward Denver Barkey to a three-year entry-level contract, beginning with the 2024-25 season. #LetsGoFlyers https://t.co/EI8WmzUeWG

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 3, 2024

The deal has a $950,000 AAV and kicks in next season. The signing opens up the possibility of Barkey perhaps getting in some games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL. 

The 18-year-old might be slight in size (5'9', 154 pounds), but his offensive talents are large, as evidenced by his 31 goals and 56 assists for 87 points in 56 games this season for the London Knights of the OHL. 

Barkey was drafted in the third round of last year's draft (95th overall), but the 18-year-old has soared up the Flyers prospects list with his performance in juniors this season.

Philly also had selected Barkey's teammate at London in the first round in 2023, defenceman Oliver Bonk (#22 overall selection). He signed his entry-level deal last August. Their other first-rounder, Matvei Michkov—Philadelphia's No. 1 overall prospect—won't be signing with the Flyers anytime soon, as he has a deal in the KHL until 2026. 

As for Barkey, there's actually some professional hockey in his bloodlines, with his grandfather (Randy Legge) having played for the New York Rangers for 12 games in 1972–73. He also won the American Hockey League championship with the Buffalo Bisons in 1970.

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports