We were treated to some huge news in the NHL this weekend as we learned that the Russian phenomenon Matvei Michkov had bought out his contract and left the KHL to join the NHL next season.
He will therefore come to Philadelphia well before the time that was initially planned, he who had a 3-year contract in the KHL when he was drafted 7th overall last summer.
The addition of Michkov, seen as a future NHL superstar by the vast majority of analysts, will greatly help the Flyers who fought for a playoff spot until the very end last season but struggled to score goals.
The journalist Kevin Short of The Athletichelped by the hopes expert Corey Pronmanhas also drawn up the potential alignment of the Flyers, as of today, with the arrival of Michkov with the team.
Owen Tippett – Morgan Frost – Matvei Michkov
Tyson Foerster – Sean Couturier – Travis Konecny
Joel Farabee – Scott Laughton – Bobby Brink
Noah Cates – Ryan Poehling – Garnet Hathaway
We immediately notice that, suddenly, the Top-6 of the team becomes much more dangerous. He will also greatly improve the team’s power play which was lacking last year.
Let’s see how long it takes him to adapt to the North American style of play when he arrives, but he could very well find himself competing with Macklin Celebrini in the race for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s rookie of the year.
It will also be very interesting to see what his relationship will be with the fiery head coach John Tortorellawhile he is not recognized for his defensive talents.
The season is likely to be very interesting in Philadelphia!
