In the 2023 NHL Draft the Philadelphia Flyers were able to grab Russian superstar Matvei Michkov with the seventh overall pick. Every team in the Draft knew Michkov had superstar potential but were weary of selecting him due to Russia having his player rights for a few years. However, it looks like so far that Michkov is living up to expectations and quite possibly exceeding expectations.
Michkov has already been named a KHL All-Star this season as he has recorded 11 goals, 13 assists, and 24 points during a 25 game stretch. Something to note, Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin had a similar path of Michkov by spending his teenage years in the KHL, and Michkov has already surpassed some of his numbers.
Although the Flyers will have to wait until 2026 to call up Michkov, there is no question they have found their guy. With Michkov developing nicely along with 19-year-old Cutter Gauthier out of Boston College and two first round picks in 2024, GM Danny Briere and the Flyers front office have a great opportunity to not only make the Flyers competitive, but put them in a position to win Championships in the future.
