Mar 23, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Olle Lycksell (15) warms up before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

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Flyers Place Olle Lycksell on Waivers, AHL Return Likely

Philadelphia moves Lycksell to AHL Lehigh Valley, ensuring playing time as he nears unrestricted free agency.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed winger Olle Lycksell on waivers, as reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The move is likely intended to give him more playing time with the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms as the season winds down. Given his contract status as a pending Group VI unrestricted free agent, there’s no risk of another team claiming him since he wouldn’t be eligible to play for a new team in their remaining regular season games.

Lycksell’s latest stint with the Flyers has been a mixed bag. He was a healthy scratch in Philadelphia’s recent game against the Montreal Canadiens, marking the first time he was left out of the lineup since being recalled after the trade deadline. While he has consistently produced in both the AHL and top European leagues, that offensive success hasn’t fully translated to the NHL. In 19 games with the Flyers this season, he has managed just five assists and a minus-three rating. Interestingly, all of his points have come in the 13 games he played after the deadline, showing some promise but not enough to solidify a permanent spot.

Peep this beauty of a saucer pass from Olle Lycksell to Bobby Brink! 👀 pic.twitter.com/aIyEDojFKW
— NHL (@NHL) March 13, 2025

Originally drafted by Philadelphia in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL Draft, the 25-year-old Swedish forward has been a standout performer at the AHL level. For the second straight season, he has averaged over a point per game with Lehigh Valley, tallying 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in just 40 games. Since arriving in North America in 2022, he has accumulated an impressive 125 points in 131 games for the Phantoms. His consistency in the minors highlights his skill, but it also raises questions about whether he fits into Philadelphia’s long-term plans at the NHL level.

Before making the jump to North America, Lycksell had a strong career in Sweden’s top professional league, the SHL. Over 221 games, he recorded 95 points while playing for Linköping HC, Färjestad BK, and Växjö Lakers HC. With his contract expiring this summer, he faces an important decision—he could seek a fresh start with another NHL team willing to offer him a two-way contract, or he might opt to return to Sweden for more stability and a bigger role. Given his proven ability in the AHL and SHL, both paths remain open for him.

For now, Lycksell will finish the season with Lehigh Valley, where he remains the team’s leading scorer despite splitting time between the AHL and NHL. Since he was on the Phantoms’ roster at the trade deadline, he is eligible to compete in the Calder Cup Playoffs, where he will play a crucial role as the Phantoms chase a championship. While his future beyond this season remains uncertain, his talent and offensive ability ensure that he won’t be without options.

Image Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

NHL

Olle Lycksell

Philadelphia Flyers

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!