Flyers' Top Prospect Making Pro Debut in AHL

Two years after being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers, one top prospect is ready to shine on the professional stage.

Sep 23, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson (17) checks Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oliver Bonk (59) during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images / Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

After a two-month recovery from an upper-body injury that derailed his rookie camp, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk finally gets his long-awaited pro debut tonight with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

From London to Philadelphia

Bonk was selected 22nd overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, joining the organization as one of its most promising young defensemen. His selection came as part of a pivotal first draft for newly named general manager Daniel Briere, who also chose forward Matvei Michkov with the seventh-overall pick earlier that night. Together, the two became the cornerstones of Philadelphia’s early-stage rebuild.

Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Oliver Bonk puts on his sweater after being selected with the twenty second pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images / Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

During his junior career with the London Knights, Bonk developed into one of the Ontario Hockey League’s most productive two-way defensemen. He totaled 150 points over four seasons, piling up 45 goals and 105 assists across 189 games while playing heavy minutes in all situations.

Role in Lehigh Valley

If his development continues on its current trajectory, Bonk may not remain in Lehigh Valley for long. The Flyers have kept a close eye on his progress, and his skill set aligns with the organization’s timeline and roster needs.

With defenseman Cam York listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury and Rasmus Ristolainen still yet to be activated from injured reserve, Bonk has a realistic path toward earning NHL minutes. Philadelphia’s young and unexpectedly steady defensive core leaves the door open for a call-up if he impresses in his early pro action.

Dec 1, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Cam York (8) reaches for the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Bonk could also factor into the Phantoms’ power-play rotation. The 20-year-old thrived on the man-advantage in 2023-24 with the Knights, scoring 15 of his 24 goals on special teams and consistently acting as an offensive driver from the blue line.

Delayed Debut

The 6-foot-2 blueliner was on pace to push for an NHL roster spot out of training camp before an upper-body injury in September halted his momentum. The setback delayed what many inside the organization believed could have been an early breakthrough.

In his absence, the Flyers turned to defenseman Adam Ginning, who appeared in five games before the team placed him on waivers. His stint underscored the thin margin on Philadelphia’s blue line. Bonk now has a chance to potentially impact as he begins his pro career.

Bonk suited up for four preseason games in 2024-25 with the Flyers, recording two assists.

Achieving in Allentown

The Phantoms have surprised the rest of the AHL early on.

Lehigh Valley sits in third place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 11-7-1-2 and 25 points. It clinched the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, defeating the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins in the first round, but fell to the Hershey Bears in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

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