Matvey Michkov is a reliable prospect with plenty of conviction behind the emotion.
One former development coach called him a “spotlight player” with a “very unique skill set.”
“Philly was convinced he had one of the most talented players in his age group in the world,” said one opposing coach.
When the Flyers drafted him seventh overall last summer, they felt he was different than anyone else in the organization.
So if Michkov is ready for Philadelphia two years earlier than expected, it would change the Flyers’ outlook to a degree. But the key is the Flyers are helping him, which could be a plan for a successful transition for the 19-year-old Russian.
Because even if Mitchkov kicks the rebuild into another gear, it won’t turn the Flyers into a contender overnight.
Four days ago, general manager Danny Breyer labeled the 2023, 2024 and 2025 NHL drafts “critical” to the Flyers’ rebuild. The team had two first-rounders last summer, the first of which used Michkov. Two first rounders will arrive this week and two more in 2025.
These flyers will be great opportunities to spot a lot of talent, especially in the middle of the ice. Michkov has clear first-line potential on the wing. Can flyers get a first line pole? Center is a premium position and is the thinnest area of the franchise.
“Let’s be honest, we’re lacking centers from across the organization,” Brere said. “We’re not trying to hide it, it’s true.”
Morgan Frost is the only center currently on the roster that the Flyers have taken in the first round in the last 11 drafts. It’s no secret that the club needs to hit more centers in the draft.
With the team’s roster now standing at the start of the offseason, Sean Couturier and the 25-year-old Frost should give the Flyers strong options to line Michkov. Next offseason, before the 2025-26 campaign, the Flyers may be in a better, more advantageous position in free agency to complement another Michkov surround.
In their four playoff years, the Flyers ranked 29th in goals against at 2.72. Michkov can bolster the club’s scoring efforts in the future, but it can’t fall solely on him, just like it can’t solely fall on Travis Konecny right now.
Brere, president of hockey operations Keith Jones and assistant general manager Brent Flah have a lot of work to do. The good thing is they know.
Make no mistake, though, having Michkov rejoining the picture a year after being drafted is a huge win for the rebuilding Flyers. It’s even more relevant when you factor in the loss of Cutter Gauthier five and a half months ago.
Fans begged for more top talent. Flyers responded by swinging at Michkov.
And they followed him.
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