97.5 The Fanatic Flyers Roundup: Michkov, Draft Lottery, Couturier Changes Agent

They might not have made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the Philadelphia Flyers still can’t stay out of the headlines. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov sparked conversation this week, and fans are anxious to see where the Flyers land in the NHL Draft Lottery.

ESPN will carry the NHL Draft Lottery in the United States on Tuesday, May 7. The league will announce the drawing time in the upcoming days.

The Flyers finished 21st in the league in 2023-24, which means 12th in the natural draft order and a 2.5% chance of winning the lottery. Only the bottom 11 teams are eligible to win the first-overall spot. The other five, including the Flyers, can move up to the second-overall spot.

The San Jose Sharks have the highest lottery odds at 18.5%. Macklin Celebrini of Boston University will most likely come off the board as the first-overall pick.

The Flyers passed on the idea of tanking to increase NHL Draft Lottery odds as part of their organizational rebuild. Danny Briere and the newly-constructed front office have instead emphasized building culture as a foundation for a winning environment.

Frank Seravalli reported that Sean Couturier has replaced his former agent Erik Lupien. It’s a surprise move for a 31-year-old captain with a long NHL track record.

John Tortorella ripped Lupien on April 19, calling him “some little pissant out there, pounding his chest that really doesn't know what's going on between Sean and I.”

Lupien had spoken negatively to The Athletic about Couturier’s relationship with his head coach after the veteran center sat as a healthy scratch for two games in March.

The intention to patch up a relationship might sound favorable. However, it’s not common that a move like this is necessary for a respected veteran for Couturier. 

Couturier’s new agent Pat Brisson negotiated the blockbuster deal that sent Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021.

While there is no further indication Couturier would want a trade, any hypothetical request would put the Flyers in an even bigger bind. The former Selke Trophy winner carries a $7.75 million annual cap hit through 2029-30. The Flyers are already overpaying an aging player with a history of serious back injuries.

They must find value for their investment and a better relationship with Couturier after a disastrous start to his captaincy. The organization, Couturier, and Tortorella also must avoid a potential albatross of a disgruntled former star player on an unmovable long-term contract.

No conversations about the Flyers rebuild pass without Matvei Michkov chatter. Alexander Medvedev, the chairman of Michkov’s KHL team, spoke about a good relationship with the Flyers and discussions about the possibility of Michkov leaving Russia for North America before his contract ends in 2026. 

Philadelphia fans should get excited about the Mad Russian. However, they shouldn’t anticipate his arrival without considering a list of qualifiers involved in the situation.

When the Flyers drafted a stud foreign prospect who might not play in the NHL for three seasons, it was bound to lead to stories like this one. Danny Briere offered no updates to Michkov’s timeline in April.

Briere also kept the emigration of Ivan Fedotov secret until the final days before the Russian goaltender joined the Flyers. Crazier things have happened than Michkov coming to Philadelphia early, and Flyers fans deserve a reason for hope after the losing they’ve watched in recent seasons.

However, they should avoid letting hope turn into expectation and hysteria.

The Calder Cup Playoffs offer the type of valuable intensity that can help AHL prospects prepare for the NHL. The Phantoms swept the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a three-game series to move past the first round. They’re now facing the Hershey Bears in a five-game series in the Atlantic Division Semifinals.

Ronnie Attard, Bobby Brink, Olle Lycksell, and Adam Ginning all played significant minutes at the NHL level this season. They figure to be key contributors if the Phantoms can go on a run.

Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Weekend took place at the Wells Fargo Center from January 26-27 to celebrate the golden anniversary of the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Mark Recchi entered the Flyers Hall of Fame as the guest of honor before a Saturday matinee against the Boston Bruins.

Dan Hilferty and Keith Jones joined Recchi in front of the local media on Friday before the Flyers Alumni took on the Bruins Alumni. The new leadership group has consistently emphasized the need to honor the past as part of a transition into a New Era of Orange.

The Broad Street Bullies won the hearts of the city of Philadelphia with consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. Their legacy lives on through the words of legendary coach Fred Shero.

Lou Nolan introduced the Flyers like he has so many times before. Recchi drew the thunderous applause as the weekend’s guest of honor. Mike Richards also returned to Philadelphia for the first time since his NHL career ended in 2016. The former captain scored a shorthanded goal against the Bruins Alumni.

The franchise has retired just six numbers in its history. Five of the six honorees, all but the late Barry Ashbee, were in attendance. Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent, Mark Howe, and Eric Lindros all participated in the weekend ceremonies.

Todd Fedoruk might not be in franchise Hall of Fame, but the former NHL enforcer turned radio color commentator showed he’s still got it with a great effort for the Flyers Alumni in their 6-2 victory. 

Catch him with Tim Saunders on the 97.5 The Fanatic game broadcasts.

How many 80-year-olds are tough enough to skate against former NHL players half their age? Joe Watson played during the inaugural Flyers season in 1967-68. “The original Flyer” last played in the NHL 45 years ago, but he took the ice one final time.