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Flyers send Hunter McDonald back to AHL despite deserving better

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have sent defenseman Hunter McDonald back down to the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday afternoon in a somewhat confusing roster move. It was a numbers game to remain on the Flyers roster and…

By Thomas Williams · Broad Street Hockey

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 9:14 PM

Key Things to Know

Thomas Williams argues the Philadelphia Flyers made a disheartening move by loaning Hunter McDonald to the AHL.
The Flyers officially assigned the 24-year-old defenseman to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on October 31, 2026.
The transaction cleared roster space ahead of the expected injury returns of Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Philadelphia Flyers have loaned defenseman Hunter McDonald back to the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Thomas Williams of Broad Street Hockey argues that the demotion was disheartening, noting that the 24-year-old blueliner deserved to stay in the NHL following an effective stint after his October 18 recall.

McDonald was reassigned as a numbers game to accommodate the returns of injured forwards Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny. During his five appearances filling in on the blue line, McDonald recorded no points but contributed 21 hits, two fights, and key drawn penalties.

Read the full article on Broad Street Hockey

Flyers send Hunter McDonald back to AHL despite deserving better

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