Alex Bump’s rapid rise puts him in contention for Flyers roster

VOORHEES, N.J. - After a dream season at Western Michigan University - one that ended with the school's first National Championship. Alex Bump chose to sign his entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

He immediately went to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL and played their final two regular season games of the season. 

In those two games he scored a goal and had two assists. It was a small sample, but it was an example of why the Flyers have been ecstatic about the development of their 2022 5th round pick.

The Flyers were willing to have him come up to the NHL at the end of the season and play a game to make his NHL debut. It would have been a reward for a great sophomore season at Western Michigan where he had 47 points in 42 regular season games, and scored the dramatic, double-overtime game-winner in the NCAA National Semifinal against University of Denver to advance to the National Championship game. 

It would seemingly be a dream come true. But for Bump, he thought the dream could wait a little longer. 

Instead, he chose to stay with the Phantoms, who were gearing up for the Calder Cup playoffs.

“Just playing more meaningful games in playoffs,” Bump said as Flyers development Camp kicked off in earnest on Wednesday. “Definitely higher intensity. Guys care, I think, a little bit more.

“I didn’t think it was worth it to waste one year on my contract for one game. Just tried to go down there (to Lehigh Valley) and learn as much as I could.”

Alex Bump snipe and shrug 🤷‍♂️ 😂 pic.twitter.com/Nok92B77m4

— Travis Ballinghoff (@travieballin26) July 2, 2025

That kind of thought process impressed the Flyers. Because he didn't play that one game, his contract slides forward a year, meaning the first year doesn't begin until the coming season. Had he played that game, he would have become a restricted free agent following the 2026-27 season, now, it won't be until 2027-28. 

He's fine with that, because he knows the NHL opportunity will come. 

Maybe as soon as October.

With uncertainty swirling around the offseason injury to Tyson Foerster (the Flyers insist they are hopeful, but the odds are looking more like he will miss a good chunk of time into the season), there will be an opening on the wing for someone in the organization to take the job. 

While General Manager mentioned a few names that could be in contention for that job, the first name through his lips was Bump. 

Others in the organization are equally excited by the possibility. 

"He was playing high school hockey a couple years ago in Minnesota," said Flyers Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong. "Then he goes into Western Michigan and as a freshman he started on the fourth line. He's only continued to grow since. He was a standout last season. 

"When he jumped to the American League, he noticed a difference in the way guys compete in the pro game in the corners. They're a little bit bigger. A little bit stronger, and he was getting knocked off pucks in the Hershey series. That's something we talked about and addressed with him. I think a lot of that is just the gym work and getting a little bit stronger. You look at his fame and if he gets up to 200-205 pounds, I don't think too many guys will be knocking him off the block."

And then, with a bit of a grin, Armstrong added, "I do think he's going to have a great shot at making it out of camp here, if he brings his game."

One on one at the Frozen Four with @NHLFlyers draft pick and Western Michigan winger Alex Bump pic.twitter.com/dzwMVD4rv3

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) April 9, 2025

For Bump, he wants to open eyes and make the Flyers seriously consider him for a job on the NHL club, but he said Briere hasn't spoken to him directly about the possible opportunity.

"Not at all," he said. "And I'm just trying to stay in my lane. I'll let him decide whether he wants me (on the roster) or not. I'll try my best to move forward and make him choose me."

Other players who could be in the mix include prospects like 2024 first rounder Jett Luchanko and 2025 first rounder Porter Martone.

But many believe Bump has the inside track, which is impressive for a lottery ticket of a draft pick three years ago. 

And if it does happen, making his NHL debut on Opening Night of the 2025-26 season will have been well worth the wait.