Flyers Re-Sign Hunter McDonald to Two-Year Deal
24-year-old defenseman Hunter McDonald signed a two-year, two-way/one-way deal after a 2025–26 season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and making his NHL debut on April 14, 2026.
Two-Year Deal for Hard-Working Blueliner
The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to terms with defenseman Hunter McDonald on a two-year, two-way/one-way contract, according to General Manager Daniel Briere.
McDonald, 24, completed his second full season of professional hockey in 2025-26, registering six assists and 92 penalty minutes in 65 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The 6-foot-4, 238-pound defenseman made his NHL debut in Philadelphia’s regular-season finale against Montreal on April 14, 2026, where he recorded his first career NHL point and was +3.
The Flyers’ sixth-round selection (165th overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft signed a two-year, entry-level contract in April 2024 and has played parts of three seasons (2023-26) with Lehigh Valley. Over 147 career AHL games, McDonald has recorded 27 points on four goals and 23 assists. He has also appeared in 13 total Calder Cup Playoff games, registering two goals.
Prior to turning professional, the Fairport, NY native played two seasons of collegiate hockey at Northeastern University (NCAA) from 2022-24. He recorded 2-18-20 and was +24 over 58 collegiate games.
Hockey returns to PPL Center in September with the fifth annual Flyers vs. Rangers Rookie Series. The two-game series takes place on Saturday, September 12 at 7:05 p.m. and Sunday, September 13 at 5:05 p.m. Tickets are available now at PPLCenter.com.
Opening Night for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms is Saturday, October 3 against the Hartford Wolf Pack.