Matvei Michkov ranked 23rd among players born this century but the numbers say otherwise

NHL Network released its list of the top 25 players born after 2000, and Flyers forward Matvei Michkov came in at No. 23.

On the surface, it looks like recognition for a 20-year-old who just wrapped up his rookie season but when you stack Matvei Michkov’s production against some of the names ahead of him, the ranking feels way off.

Matvei Michkov ranked 23rd among players born this century

What are your thoughts on our Top 25 Players Born in This Quarter Century list? pic.twitter.com/3ryM33RMDU

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 25, 2025

What Matvei Michkov Actually Did

In his first NHL season, Michkov posted 63 points, leading all rookies in goals (26). His 63 points tied Macklin Celebrini for second among newcomers, finishing just three behind Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson.

It’s not like Michkov had a comfortable situation in Philly either.

• The league’s worst goaltending
• Random healthy scratches and benchings
• A coaching change before the season even ended

Who’s Ahead of Him

Honestly, I don’t see how any of the players below could rank ahead of Michkov.

• Leo Carlsson (Anaheim): Still hasn’t hit 50 points in a season.
• Quinton Byfield (Los Angeles): Two straight 50-point years, but four seasons in and still searching for his ceiling.
• Cole Caufield (Montreal): Finally broke 70 points this year at age 24, on a playoff team.
• Connor Bedard (Chicago): Ranked No. 8 with back-to-back seasons that mirror Michkov’s rookie output.

It’s not that these players aren’t talented or deserving but if the list is supposed to reflect production and impact, Michkov’s resume stacks up with, or surpasses, several names ranked well ahead of him.

The Disconnect

This isn’t new. Michkov was also pushed down a separate list projecting the NHL’s best players in 2030, despite clearly trending toward stardom already.

Perception around the league hasn’t caught up to reality yet but the stats say it’s only a matter of time before lists like this have no choice but to move Matvei Michkov up where he belongs.

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