Jett Luchanko turned 19 years old not even two and a half months ago and he already has eight career NHL games under his belt.

So as the center prospect was sent back to his junior club Monday, Bobby Brink was left impressed more than anything.

“He has got a long career ahead of him,” Brink said. “I couldn’t have played in the NHL at 19. He played well when he was in the games, I think he looked like he can play at this level and I think he’s only going to get better, he’s only going to get more comfortable. Just keep doing what he’s doing because it’s obviously working.”

Luchanko saw four games in his audition with the Flyers, just like he did last season. For a second time, he’ll return to Guelph with an opportunity to put up points in all-situation minutes and earn another shot with Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

“Great kid, great teammate, super nice,” Christian Dvorak said. “Just a very smart player, too. He’s still really young, I think he’s going to do great down there and get better.

“I think it’s a good experience for him to play some games and it’s only going to be a good thing for him. He has just got to stay positive and I think things will work out for him. Bright future.”

Luchanko is not eligible to play in the AHL for the Flyers’ affiliate Lehigh Valley until after his OHL season ends.

“He has got a bright future,” Rodrigo Abols said. “From being around with him, taking him to a couple dinners, you see that there’s a guy with a good head on his shoulders.

“I don’t think there’s anything he should be ashamed of; I think it’s just a tough situation for him where it would probably be ideal for him to play in the AHL. It sucks that the rule comes in only next year for him.”

Abols split time with Luchanko as both centered the fourth line for four games. As a 6-foot-4 guy, Abols noticed Luchanko’s speed, which the 29-year-old experienced firsthand last training camp during former head coach John Tortorella’s skating test.

“Four out of the eight times, he was on my tail,” Abols said with a smile.

“Once he gets more comfortable with his speed, adjusted to his speed, I think that’s when his game is really going to excel. It’s not a knock on him, but a lot of times, I feel like he’s so fast that he gets into an area and hasn’t decided what he’s going to do yet. He kind of skates into trouble because he’s that fast. I think if he gets more adjusted with his speed, it’ll be great.”

Brink sees a good foundation for Luchanko.

“You can tell he thinks the game well,” Brink said. “I mean, he has natural speed, skating kind of comes effortless for him. Two things that you need to be able to do in this league are skate and think the game. He has got the right base.”