97.5 The Fanatic Flyers Roundup: Trade Recap, Tortorella Benches Michkov (Again)
Somehow, the conversation surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers shifted away from John Tortorella benching Matvei Michkov.
Danny Briere pulled the trigger to send Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee to the Calgary Flames. Read the full trade recap.
Related Content: 4 Future Indicators Emerge From Flyers, Flames Trade
- Monday 1/27 (at the Wells Fargo Center): Flyers 4, New Jersey Devils 2
- Wednesday 1/29 (at Prudential Center): New Jersey Devils 5, Flyers 0
- Thursday 1/30 (at the Wells Fargo Center): New York Islanders 3, Flyers 0
Matvei Michkov Benched
Philadelphia’s favorite rookie played just 9:45 against the Devils on Monday. He sat the entire third period against the Islanders on Thursday after a heated exchange with John Tortorella on the bench.
The head coach spoke about benching Michkov.
“We’re trying to teach him how things are done, how things are done here. The things of understanding conduct of a pro, all the things you do to play.” -John Tortorella
Michkov did not meet with the Philadelphia media after the game, but Tortorella said he feels much more confident that the language barrier isn’t affecting their communication.
The Islanders scored a goal in the second period after Michkov appeared to have left the defensive zone too soon looking for a scoring chance in transition. While Tortorella didn’t specify the defensive lapse as the reason for the benching, he emphasized the need for Michkov to accept responsibility for mistakes.
The fiery head coach consistently emphasizes that confrontation helps players and coaches grow. He acknowledged the talent he’s trying to harness coaching a 20-year-old with a ceiling as an NHL superstar.
“You may not believe it, but it’s (the benching is) for the right reason… I’m not going to fail him by cowering away from situations that people may second guess or whatever it may be. We’re going to do it the right way with this kid because we think he’s that special. It’s my job to do that no matter what happens.” -John Tortorella
The unfamiliar grind of the NHL schedule has apparently caught up to Michkov. He triumphantly reached a point per game pace with two assists in Philadelphia’s 27th game of the year on December 10.
However, he’s scored only three goals and added just four assists in 24 games since. He scored a power-play goal Thursday that was ultimately wiped out by a goaltender interference call. He also pickpocketed an Islanders defenseman to create a 2-on-1 opportunity.
Michkov will benefit from the extended rest from February 9-21 for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off.
Danny Briere Speaks After Trade
- Philadelphia Flyers Get: Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, 2nd-Round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, 7th-Round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft
- Calgary Flames Get: Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee
The Flyers moved on from two former first-round picks without adding much to their current NHL roster. While the trade lowers Philadelphia’s odds for a berth in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, plenty of indicators about the organization’s rebuild emerged after Briere explained his approach.
Why did he move Farabee and Frost? Their development wasn’t as impressive in recent seasons as other young players who might become better long-term building blocks.
“I think it speaks more about the development of the players around those two guys than it does themselves. We’re in a different spot where we have admitted that we were part of a rebuild. We have had a lot of draft picks the last few years. We have had some young guys, and the players around them have really taken a step forward. When you think of the development of guys like (Owen) Tippett in the last couple years, (Tyson) Foerster coming on, Bobby Brink, and Noah Cates’ play this year. We also have (Ryan) Poehling.” -Danny Briere
If the two departed players weren’t part of the long-term core, the Flyers needed to assess their financial future. Briere acknowledged that salary cap flexibility is the biggest advantage of the trade.
The Flyers shed Farabee’s $5 million annual cap hit through 2028, and they won’t face the issue of paying Frost a raise when he becomes a restricted free agent in the offseason.
Briere also unexpectedly admitted that his focus on keeping players who help the locker room culture isn’t as significant as it was when he took over as general manager two years ago.
“If that trade was made two years ago, maybe (subtracting respected players would’ve been) a little bit more scary, just not knowing where our room was. Don’t get me wrong. Joel and Morgan were a big part of that room and how tight this was, and they’re going to be missed. But I believe that the leadership now in place and how these guys have gelled together, they’re going to welcome the two new guys with open arms.” -Danny Briere
The Flyers have pounded the importance of culture during the rebuild. It’s the major reason they ignored tanking to acquire top-end talent.
The shift in Briere’s mindset is an indicator of the organization’s internal perception of their timeline for contention.
Sam Ersson in NHL 4 Nations Face-Off
When Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom suffered a knee injury last week, Team Sweden looked for a replacement goaltender for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off. The ripple effects hit Sam Ersson.
Philadelphia’s top goaltender will replace Markstrom on the roster, although the Swedes are unlikely to play their presumed third goalie.

Ersson struggled down the stretch last season, partly because of a heavy workload after Carter Hart left the team in January 2024. The 25-year-old has battled a recurring groin injury this season.
Danny Briere acknowledged the durability concerns.
“You’re always worried about that when injuries start coming back. It’s something that we’re going to monitor. I really believe in our staff down there to help him strengthen the area and make sure that he’s okay. There’s definitely a lot of discussions with Sam, between our athletic trainers, our strength coaches, to make sure he’s put in the best position possible to succeed.” -Danny Briere
He’s improved underwhelming early-season numbers with a .901 save percentage in nine starts since his most recent stint on injured reserve.
Defensemen Alex Pietrangelo (Team Canada) and Miro Heiskanen (Team Finland) have also dropped out of the tournament in addition to Markstrom because of injury concerns.
The NHL wanted an international best-on-best to replace their All-Star Weekend. The league is holding its breath that the showcase doesn’t lose its juice before it even starts.
Is Tortorella concerned about players missing the possible benefits of two weeks of midseason rest? The brutally honest head coach pushed back against the notion in November.
“I don’t give a shit about that… That’s your country. That’s one of the greatest things. We’ve got really good athletes, and they care. That’s a really important thing for athletes, so that doesn’t even come into my thinking.” -John Tortorella
The two-time Jack Adams Award winner will work as an assistant coach for Team USA under Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim will play for Team Canada, and Rasmus Ristolainen will suit up for Finland.
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