Get On Board the Matvei Michkov Train Now Flyers Fans
Do you play the lottery when it approaches a billion dollars? Everyone rolls into their local Wawa and grabs a chance that they could end up having a fortune fall into their laps. Well, Flyers fans, you just won the Powerball jackpot with Matvei Michkov, and the winnings could turn the tide for the franchise for years to come!
This is the best “rookie news” since Eric Lindros arrived
It’s been 32 years since the Flyers organization ended up landing an impact player like Matvei Michkov. That guy was Eric Lindros and for a decade in a Flyers uniform he battled injuries amidst some amazing success. Though the Stanley Cup dream was never realized, his impact on the organization and local hockey was tangible. Michkov could make that same impact and will be the building block for everything that happens in Flyers country for hopefully the next 15 seasons.
Do NOT expect the rebuilding plan to suddenly change direction
This is just my opinion, but I believe it to be an informed one. I don’t believe that the Flyers master plan for the 2024-25 season is going to drastically change. I don’t expect that they now see themselves as true playoff contenders even with the immense skill set that Michkov brings.
I would figure they will attempt to find a veteran mentor, maybe a player of Russian descent, that could help him transition to life in America and the NHL. Other than that, it will be a “stay the course” strategy.
Related: The Flyers 1 Goal Now That Matvei Michkov Is Coming Over
What will be the plan then?
I’m excited to bring you some coverage from Las Vegas this weekend for the NHL Draft. I don’t expect there to be a lot of fireworks surrounding the event. It should land them another foundational talent and there is a chance they could combine the 12th pick and Florida’s selection to move up into the Top 10.
My thought is that we should expect to see some salary cap clearing where available and if someone wanted one of their higher ticket item players a deal could be swung. This team is in it to rebuild the right way. Briere will not be willing to take short cuts. They want this team to be fixed for the long haul. They won’t let next year’s 50th Anniversary of their last Stanley Cup hurry them into short sighted moves.
Before you even ask, Tortorella is the perfect coach for Matvei Michkov
Despite the best attempts of many in the Flyers media corps to get John Tortorella fired, thankfully the organization doesn’t let them call the shots. A task master like Tortorella is going to be the perfect way for Michkov to learn about what the NHL is and what the demands on him should be. He is a player that reportedly enjoys tough coaching and a guy like Torts might seem like a walk in the park compared to some of the disciplinary types that lead the Russian Elite teams.
If you wandered from your Flyers fandom, welcome back
I worked for the Flyers organization and then was estranged for 33 years! I know what it is like to leave and come back. My circumstances were different than yours, but I’m a perfect example that fandom can be rekindled.
This is the perfect time for you to get reacquainted with that team you loved growing up! There is no shame in picking back up that Orange and Black sweater and loving hockey again. If you ever needed a reason to fall back in love with the Flyers, this is it!
Watch Kincade & Salciunas on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
11 NHL Draft Targets For The Philadelphia Flyers
Sam Dickinson
Defenseman, London Knights (OHL)
Keith Jones respects the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League as much as any junior program in the world.
His friend and former teammate Dale Hunter runs the organization to prepare players for the NHL and other professional opportunities.
The Flyers drafted Oliver Bonk and Denver Barkey out of London in 2023.
Could Sam Dickinson follow in the footsteps of his two former teammates?
Jett Luchanko
Center, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Craig Button of TSN mocked Jett Luchanko to the Flyers in the 12th-overall spot. The 17-year-old averaged over a point per game in the OHL last season. His performance helped him rise through draft boards despite beginning the season with less of a reputation.
The Flyers will search for players who can reach the high ceiling of a top-line forward. They could take a chance on Luchanko if he’s available.
Berkly Catton
Center, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Catton broke out offensively at the junior level right before reaching draft eligibility. He scored 116 points in 2023-24 in the Western Hockey League, among the top junior leagues in Canada.
The Flyers would love to see the high-scoring center slip to the 12th-overall spot. However, most mock drafts have him off the board in the top 10.
Tij Iginla
Left Winger, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
The Calgary Flames hold the ninth-overall pick. Would they pass on the son of Jarome Iginla, arguably the best player in their franchise history?
If he somehow slips past the Flames, the Flyers will consider Tij Iginla. The industry consensus ranks him in the top half of the first round.
Jarome Iginla, Calgary FlamesBeckett Sennecke
Right Winger, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
The Athletic mocked Beckett Sennecke to the Flyers in the 12th-overall spot. They described him as a “highly skilled winger with size and smooth skating.”
Although a right winger doesn’t fill an organizational void, Briere and Flahr should not pass on the best player available because of a perceived surplus at a position.
The future of some of Philadelphia’s right wingers is anything but certain. Sennecke still has time before he’ll be an NHL contributor. Things change quickly.
The Flyers also had success drafting Scott Laughton out of Oshawa in 2012.
Cole Beaudoin
Center, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Corey Pronman projected Cole Beaudoin as a third-line NHL center. He also comes from the heavily-scouted OHL, which doesn’t produce as many surprises as other sources of draft prospects.
Although the Flyers will more likely search for a player with a higher ceiling in the 12th-overall spot, Beaudoin could be a target with Philadelphia’s second selection in the first round.
Carter Yakemchuk
Defenseman, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Players slip down draft boards every year. The 2024 NHL Draft doesn’t have the typical level of consensus as past drafts.
Carter Yakemchuk will most likely come off the board before the Flyers pick. However, if the opportunity presents itself, Danny Briere should pounce on arguably the best defenseman available in the draft.
