Philadelphia Flyers Signing Hulking NCAA Forward
The Philadelphia Flyers look like they’re closing in on another NCAA addition, with reports from Puckpedia that Ohio State forward Riley Thompson is expected to sign with the organization.
Nothing has been officially finalized yet.
The #Flyers signed undrafted 23 y/o F Riley Thompson to 1 year entry level deal starting next season
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) March 22, 2026
NHL salary 922.5K
Signing Bonus 102.5K
Minors 85K
Cap hit/AAV $1.025M
27P in 37 NCAA GP
Rep’d by Pete Rutili @the_team_hockey https://t.co/BiQUAIoKUG
Flyers believe they have a serious chance to sign college free agent Riley Thompson, but no contract has been signed yet, according to a source.
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) March 22, 2026
So we'll see if the Flyers end up with the Ohio State forward.
Flyers expected to sign Riley Thompson from Ohio State
Thompson, 23, fits a very specific mold the Flyers have quietly targeted.
He’s a big body at 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, plays both center and left wing, and has built a reputation as a hard-area player who doesn't mind doing the less flashy work down low.
Reports suggest the expected deal would be a one-year entry-level contract starting in 2026-27, carrying a cap hit just north of $1 million.
The Flyers have signed Forward, C/LW, Riley Thompson to a one-year Entry-level-contract that begins in 2026-27
— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) March 23, 2026
He will likely finish the season with the @LVPhantoms. He had 13 goals and 27 points in 37 games for Ohio State University this season#Flyers
Production-wise, Thompson has been steady, but not eye-popping.
He put up 13 goals and 27 points in 37 games this season with Ohio State after posting 33 points the year prior. Before that, he spent time at Alaska-Anchorage, building out a three-year NCAA track record with 39 goals and 84 points across 111 games.
But that’s kind of the point here. The Flyers are not chasing a finished product. They’re taking a look at a player who might carve out a role if things develop the right way.
Riley Thompson gives Flyers size and depth down the middle
Thompson is a fierce attacker on the boards and in the corner, a strong puck protector, and a presence around the net.
There’s some defensive awareness there, too, and scouts have pointed to his ability to keep plays alive in the offensive zone.
GOAL! Riley Thompson ties the game at 1, scoring off a pass from Karabela.
— Ohio State Men's Hockey (@OhioStateMHKY) March 14, 2026
10:57 left | P1 pic.twitter.com/1b28BrNyPd
That being said, the drawback is pretty clear as well.
His skating is not at the same level as his physical tools, and that’s something he’ll need to improve if he’s going to stick at the pro level.
If it clicks for Philadelphia, they’ve added a cost-controlled depth piece with size down the middle. If it doesn’t, it’s a one-year entry-level commitment that barely moves the needle financially.
Assuming this gets across the finish line, Thompson is expected to finish the current season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on an amateur tryout, giving him a quick introduction to the pro game before things ramp up next year.
Photo Credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
