Flyers recall David Jiricek from Phantoms

The Flyers made a move Sunday calling up defenseman David Jiricek from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The 22-year-old was acquired from Columbus on March 6th in exchange for Bobby Brink and has been excellent since joining the Phantoms, posting 13 points in 13 games including seven assists in his last six outings.

Flyers recall David Jiricek from the Phantoms

Transaction: We have recalled defenseman David Jiricek from the @LVPhantoms (AHL). pic.twitter.com/yk5XrXyhce

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 12, 2026

The Flyers current defensive pairs look like this:

• Sanheim-Ristolainen
• York-Drysdale
• Seeler-Andrae

Power Play Boost?

David Jiricek coming in could mean Andrae sits, which gives the Flyers a look at him on the power play unit. That part makes sense given his offensive upside from the blue line. The hesitation is that Andrae has been solid next to Seeler during this recent run and messing with what is working this late in the season comes with real risk.

Could they run 11 forwards and 7 defensemen to keep everyone? Sure, but the Glendening-Couturier-Hathaway fourth line has been genuinely effective and there is no reason to break that up just to find ice time.

The smarter play is probably a straight swap with Andrae sitting and Jiricek slotting in, with the understanding that you are getting a look at a piece of the future while the playoffs are on the line.

Two games left. Carolina at home tonight at 7 PM.

Then Montreal at home Tuesday at 7 PM. And Tuesday is going to be something this building has not seen in a very long time.

Orange Out.

The Flyers are on the edge of ending a five-year playoff drought and their fans are going to show up in full orange on Tuesday night to push them over the finish line. That game has every chance to be one of the louder nights Xfinity Mobile Arena has had in years.

Two wins. End the drought. Let’s go Flyers.

UPDATE:

The Flyers now only need a win tonight against Carolina to clinch their first playoff spot since the 2019-2020 season. They would face Pittsburgh in the First Round.

🔶 ORANGE OUT 🔶

Join us as we paint the town orange for our final regular season game on Tuesday!

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) April 12, 2026

One more thing worth saying. The Flyers did not call up David Jiricek to watch the final two games from the press box. They brought him in because they want to use him and that means a decision is coming.

Sounds like #Flyers made the move because he earned the promotion and also as a precautionary move with some guys banged up on the back end. https://t.co/AmoH7nr9Qx

— Jackie Spiegel (@jackiespiegel93) April 12, 2026

Do they sit Andrae, who has been playing well, for a boost on the backend of the power play? Do they run an extra defenseman and find a way to keep everyone?

Either way this is an exciting time for this franchise. The Flyers are fighting for a playoff spot in the final week of the season. Prospects are getting called up and getting opportunities. An Orange Out is scheduled for Tuesday night. It has been a long five years and the finish line is right there.

LETS. GO. FLYERS.

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