Calder SZN: Flyers might be cooked already but Matvei Michkov is confirmed ELITE

Matvei Michkov is wasting no time making a name for himself in Philly. The 19-year-old Flyers rookie is off to a blazing start, tallying seven points (three goals, four assists) in his first seven NHL games.

That feat puts Michkov in some impressive company, making him just the seventh teenager in Flyers history to notch at least six points in his first seven games.

Matvei Michkov on the MONEY

Michkov on the MONEY. #PHIvsWSH | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/UrH2A2h52X

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) October 24, 2024

It’s a remarkable start for a player whose scoring touch was highly anticipated upon his arrival in Philadelphia.

Let’s take a look at the company Michkov now keeps among Flyers’ teenage sensations courtesy of “Friday Forecheck” post from Bill Meltzer on the team’s official website.

1. Bob Kelly (1970-71)

Before he became known as “The Hound,” Bob Kelly was just a young rookie trying to make an impression on the big stage. Kelly kicked off his Flyers career playing alongside none other than Bobby Clarke, putting up two assists in a 2-1 win over the North Stars in his NHL debut. He finished with six assists in his first seven games, all while barely 19. Kelly turned 20 on November 25, 1970, making his early-season exploits all the more impressive.

2. Rich Sutter (1983-84)

The Flyers acquired Sutter from Pittsburgh, and he wasted no time proving his worth. After coming over in a trade that also sent fan-favorite Ron Flockhart to the Penguins, Sutter made a splash in Philly with goals in each of his first three games. He wrapped up his first seven games with six points (five goals, one assist), delivering that trademark Sutter grit and scoring touch.

3. Peter Zezel (1984-85)

At 19, Zezel became a fan favorite during one of Mike Keenan’s toughest teams, known as “Keenan’s Kids.” Zezel kicked off his NHL career by posting eight points (two goals, six assists) in his first seven games. He’d later suffer a broken hand but returned to put together a 12-game point streak, finishing the season with 61 points and helping the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Final.

4. Eric Lindros (1992-93)

When Lindros arrived in Philly, expectations were sky-high. The 19-year-old was already a household name after the Flyers pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Quebec Nordiques to bring him in. Big E didn’t disappoint, scoring in his first two games and racking up seven points (four goals, three assists) over his first seven NHL games. Lindros would go on to score 41 goals in his rookie season, despite injuries that sidelined him for 23 games.

5. Justin Williams (2000-01)

Williams made a memorable debut at 19, scoring the Flyers’ first goal of the season against the Canucks—overshadowing the debut of the Sedin twins in the process. He racked up three points (one goal, two assists) that night and finished with six points (one goal, five assists) through his first seven games. Not a bad way to start a career that would eventually see him win three Stanley Cups.

6. Travis Konecny (2016-17)

TK brought his high-energy game to the Flyers at 19, picking up two assists in his NHL debut, a 4-2 victory in Los Angeles. Konecny finished his first seven games with six assists, notching his first NHL goal against Buffalo on October 25, 2016. Today, he’s one of the Flyers’ top scorers and a key part of the team’s core.

Matvei Michkov’s Hot Start

Michkov has already recorded points in four of his first seven games, including a pair of two-goal performances. Six of his seven points have come on the power play, showcasing his lethal shot and hockey IQ in man-advantage situations.

His first two NHL goals both came during first-period power plays against the Edmonton Oilers in the third game of the 2024-25 season.

It’s early, but Michkov is proving to be every bit the offensive weapon the Flyers hoped for when they drafted him. If his first seven games are any indication, the Flyers might just have the next Russian sniper to electrify Philadelphia fans for years to come.

Honestly, I really don’t give a shit that the Philadelphia Flyers can’t win hockey games. This year isn’t about winning and losing. It’s about the development of the “Mad Russian”, Matvei Michkov and building a future NHL powerhouse of a franchise in South Philadelphia. 

The Philadelphia Flyers have six top 40 picks in next year’s NHL Draft- which apparently is DEEP with elite talent. That gives Danny B and the rest of the front office plenty of room to move anywhere they want and I guess the player to target is a lad by the name of JAMES HAGENS. 

James Hagens is American (nice) and currently playing puck up at Boston College. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 177 pounds, Hagens hails from Hauppauge, New York, and is already drawing significant attention.

He earned an “A” rating from NHL Central Scouting in its preliminary players-to-watch list, signaling him as a potential first-round pick in next year’s draft.

So far this season, Hagens has wasted no time making an impact for the Eagles, recording five points (one goal, four assists) in just three games.

Before joining Boston College, Hagens was a dominant force for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) Under-18 squad, leading the team with an impressive 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists) over 58 games last year.

He also shined on the international stage, amassing 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in seven games at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship in Finland, helping the United States secure a silver medal.

People in the replies on Twitter are saying this dude could bring the Flyers the next great duo- something similar to Crosby-Malkin? Sign me the hell up. 

“But Drew, there’s no chance the Flyers can get Hagens in the draft!” 

I literally do not care and never bothered to look?

If you want to talk actual hockey then hit up Derek and the boys from The Liberty Yell. I’m not your guy. I do know however, that the Flyers have notched a miserable 17 goals for and 38 goals against in 7 games this season.

No one other than Michkov can do anything. He literally has 40% of the teams points and the Flyers are 1-5-1 on the year- the bottom feeders of the Metropolitan Division.

Keep losing and bring me Hagens and give Michkov the CALDER.

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