Flyers Recall Five, 2023 First-Round Pick Prepares for NHL Debut

The Philadelphia Flyers recalled five players from their AHL affiliate on Tuesday morning. The move followed the team’s clinching of a postseason berth on Monday.

Who was recalled

The recalls came from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Forwards Jacob Gaucher and Anthony Richard were included.

Defensemen Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald were also summoned. Goaltender Aleksei Kolosov completed the group.

Context and timing

Gaucher and Richard both had NHL stints last season. Both spent the current campaign with the Phantoms.

Kolosov has appeared in four games for Philadelphia this season. He started two of those contests, last playing on January 17, 2026.

Prospect notes

Oliver Bonk

Bonk, 22, was the Flyers’ 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He is a right-handed defenseman in his first professional year.

This season he has six goals and 13 assists in 44 games. He is regarded as one of the organization’s top defensive prospects.

Hunter McDonald

McDonald is 23 and a left-handed defenseman. The Flyers selected him in the sixth round in 2022.

This marks his second recall this season. He did not appear in a game during his first recall.

Other recalls

Jacob Gaucher and Anthony Richard returned to the NHL after AHL play this year. Both previously saw time with Philadelphia last season.

Aleksei Kolosov adds goaltending depth for the stretch run. His recent NHL experience will be valuable in the playoffs.

Immediate outlook

Both Bonk and McDonald are expected to make their NHL debuts on Tuesday night. The opponent is the Montreal Canadiens.

The club’s front office now has added depth heading into the postseason. It seems unlikely the two defensemen will see regular playoff minutes.

Filmogaz.com will monitor lineup changes and postseason usage as the Flyers prepare for the next game.