For over a decade, the Philadelphia Flyers have been locked in struggles within their team and fanbase. The Flyers have been constantly needing to change management positions, coaching staff, and their roster over the past ten years. After all of these changes, fans remain frustrated with the team and have been crying out for something to be done to save the franchise. The Summer of 2023 gave hope to Flyers fans as it was declared that the Flyers drafted Matvei Michkov seventh overall in the first round. Michkov has been described as the best NHL prospect from Russia since Alexander Ovechkin was drafted in 2005. For the first time in years, the Flyers acquired a star player.
Michkov’s eligibility to compete in the NHL was questioned before the 2023 draft due to conflicts with his contract in the Russian KHL league. Though it was uncertain if he could compete, he was still one of the most sought after prospects in the draft due to his exceptional goal scoring abilities. The Flyers took a chance when drafting Michkov not knowing when he would be able to sign with the team. The chance that was taken has paid off.
Michkov was flown into the US for off-season training with the team on July 23, 2024 and what he could bring to the team was greatly anticipated. When landing, Michkov was met with a heavy media presence, showing how significant this moment is for the Flyers and Philadelphia. His performance in preseason training had boosted the already high hopes that the Flyers had for him.
With the 2024-2025 preseason starting, Michkov is not disappointing. Michkov put a goal on the board in his debut preseason game against the rangers and showed off his jaw dropping puck skills throughout the rest of the game. Michkov has been paired as linemates with Flyers forwards Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost and the trio are expected to be an unstoppable offensive force in the regular season. Michkov, Tippett, and Frost have great potential for being the starting offensive lineup for the Flyers in upcoming games and will show off their combined skill and speed on the ice.
Flyers fans cannot wait to see what Michkov will achieve in the future and believe he could be the long awaited star player for the Flyers to build a winning team around.
