The NHL may not have an All-Star Game this year due to the 2026 Olympics, but the AHL All-Star Classic will go on, showcasing the top talent in the minors.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms have played solid hockey this season, with some prospects making their professional debuts, and one of those players has been selected as an All-Star.
The Phantoms announced on Thursday afternoon that winger Denver Barkey will represent the team at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.
All BARK. All bite. All-Star. Congratulations to forward Denver Barkey on being named the Lehigh Valley Phantoms All-Star for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic presented by BMO. pic.twitter.com/rlnSVidY8g
— Lehigh Valley Phantoms (@LVPhantoms) January 15, 2026
The 20-year-old forward joined the professional ranks after helping the London Knights to both the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship. Barkey was the captain of the Knights in his final season in London, posting 82 points (25 goals, 57 assists) in 50 games, and adding 20 points in 10 postseason contests.
Standing at 5’10”, Barkey has heard all of the questions — and then some — surrounding how his size may limit him at the next level. That hasn’t slowed him down, but rather motivated him to use his energy and hockey smarts to force his way up the lineup and the organizational depth chart.
Barkey picked up an assist in his professional debut and scored his first AHL goal threegames later. He started a bit slow with just three points in his first 10 games, but then broke out with a four-point effort that sparked something in the forward. He had 13 points in 16 games, starting with that four-point night, earning him a call-up to the Flyers for his NHL debut on December 20 at Madison Square Garden.
After two assists in his debut, Barkey carved out a role for himself in the Flyers’ lineup with Tyson Foerster out. He scored his first NHL goal in Edmonton on January 3, earning praise for his 200-foot game that led to him lighting the lamp.
Some might wonder whether Barkey will be able to play in the AHL All-Star Classic while on the Flyers roster, but it shouldn’t be an issue. The festivities in Rockford are scheduled for February 10 and 11, right at the start of the NHL Olympic break.
Barkey joins the likes of Olle Lycksell, Samu Tuomaala, Ronnie Attard, Tyson Foerster, and Morgan Frost to represent the Phantoms at the AHL All-Star Classic in the 2020s.
