The Flyers have signed 2023 3rd round (95th overall) pick Denver Barkey to a three year entry-level contract coming off an exciting season in the OHL for the London Knights. During the campaign, Barkey tallied up 31 goals and 56 assists for a total of 87 points this year.
So what should you expect from him? Barkey is a smaller guy at 5’9″ and a little under 160 lbs, but his game really doesn’t show that, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the OHL with 163 points in 171 games played in the last three seasons. Barkey is featured as an important part of the Knights power play unit with 22 power play assists, as well as being top five in plus/minus and has nearly 200 shots on goal.
Given John Tortorella’s track record with youth, don’t get your hopes up that Denver Barkey will make the team next year, it’s more likely than not he goes back to the Knights. I’d expect him to get up on the Phantoms top six within the next two years and it’s easy to see him as a call-up at some point during the 2025-26 season. His game really translates well to a pro level, if you’ve been following any of Dylan‘s posts and clips, you’ve seen it, he’s great with the puck and really sees the net and the passing lanes clearly, both selfless and willing to shoot first. He skates well and moves through traffic with ease. His puck sense is impeccable which helps him carve through defenses and get around bigger guys, despite a smaller frame.
Denver Barkey’s point totals have jumped up significantly every year in juniors, which is just another reason to be optimistic. This year he’s been a leader for the Knights along with fellow Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk (22nd overall), who himself is enjoying a really good season with 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points as a defenseman. Barkey and Bonk having a pre-established chemistry can and will be a huge difference maker in the future. The Flyers have been aching for a good shot and Barkey could certainly be that guy in due time. He’s a classic Flyer, a guy who plays with passion and tenacity, there’s reason to be excited and optimistic for Denver Barkey in Lehigh Valley and Philly.
By: Ryan Novalski
Photo courtesy: Newmarket Press
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