How long did it take for the city of Philadelphia to fall in love with Russian striker Matvei Michkov? Two exhibition games.
The talented forward had a goal and an assist in a 2-0 Flyers victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night, in a game where he demonstrated on several occasions why he is considered a top prospect. See his highlights in the video above.
Michkov now has a goal and three assists for four points in two preseason games so far this season, and it appears the hype for him has reached fever pitch.
On social media, many fans are showing their enthusiasm for number 39, whom the Flyers drafted seventh overall in 2023, with one going so far as to say Michkov would be better than Connor Bedard.
Clearly, it’s not just in Montreal that people are excited about young players who do well in training camp!
Let’s be objective
Well, let’s look at the situation as objectively as possible. First, the statistics.
We took a little step back a year. During the 2023 training camp, Bedard finished the preparatory games with five points in four games. Adam Fantilli (two points in three games) and Leo Carlsson (one in five) had been more discreet.
We therefore have no choice but to appreciate the figures that Michkov has presented so far.
In his first game, Michkov collected two assists against the Washington Capitals who had very few regular players. On Thursday, however, the Islanders had a few established veterans, including four on defense: Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Mike Reilly and Scott Mayfield.
The best forward on the ice
Journalist Kevin Kurz, who covers team activities for The Athleticwrote that “the rookie was their most dangerous player” during this meeting. Not so bad when you consider that Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost were also in the lineup. That being said, we must also consider that veterans are never really at full strength during training camp, unlike rookie players who want to prove more than anything that they belong in the NHL.
But it seems that the craze is not strictly external.
“He works very hard. We see it in training, he puts in the effort. He falls back with conviction and does whatever is asked of him. In addition, we can see his skills in creating games. He created several chances for his teammates and finished with a goal and an assist. He played well,” complimented assistant coach Rocky Thompson after Thursday’s game.
So we shouldn’t get carried away too quickly, but, clearly, Michkov is demonstrating why he is the favorite of many to win the Calder Trophy in 2024-2025.
