The Philadelphia Flyers returned forward Jett Luchanko to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League on Saturday.
Luchanko appeared in four games with the Flyers, recording zero points, two penalty minutes and a minus-3 rating.
At 18 years and 51 days old, he became the youngest player in Flyers history to make his NHL debut when he suited up on Oct. 11 against the Vancouver Canucks.
“The decision to send Jett back is something we strongly believe is the right path for him and his development,” Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said in a release. “His work ethic, preparedness and play during training camp and pre-season was something we were extremely impressed with and felt he earned the right to make our roster and start the season with us.
“Ultimately, we feel it is more valuable for Jett to be put in the best possible position to prepare himself for an NHL career and right now that is with his team in Guelph.”
The teenager from London, Ont., was drafted in the first round, 13th overall, by Philadelphia in June.
He led the Storm with 74 points (20 goals and 54 assists) in 68 games last season.