Flyers: A First Look at Michkov and What It Could Mean for Veterans

A year ago, when the Flyers opened training camp for the 2023-24 season, no one could have predicted the roller coaster ride that was to come. A season of wild ups and downs included nearly making the playoffs, remaining in the competition until the final game of the season, certainly far from preseason expectations.

The Flyers rebuild had its cornerstone piece following the 2023 NHL Draft, but the vision was that it would be years before Matvei Michkov would be on the ice in Voorhees in preparation for the Flyers upcoming season. What was once believed to be a pipe dream for the Flyers will be a reality on Thursday morning, as the team opens training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season.

For Michkov, this is where the performance can meet the hype. Fans have been awaiting this moment since his draft day, and got a nice little tease during rookie camp when Michkov scored a goal in his first rookie game.

But now comes the real first look. Now Michkov gets to go up against NHL veterans and find his place within a lineup. There will be monumental moments throughout training camp for Michkov. Thursday is simply John Tortorella's annual skating test. No pucks hit the ice. This isn't the place for Michkov to show his impressive skill. But that could come on Friday and Saturday, when the team has scrimmages on the schedule. Then the first preseason game is Sunday, and could be the first chance fans get to see Michkov in game action.

Whether through training camp drills, scrimmages, or preseason games, there's another element to Michkov's arrival that will be instrumental in how the team performs this season. How can Michkov, the high-end talent the Flyers have desperately needed, potentially make his teammates better?

At his Tuesday media availability, GM Danny Briere noted the abundance of wingers that Michkov joins. The Flyers still have Travis Konecny and Owen Tippett, both signed to long-term extensions within the last year. There is also Tyson Foerster, Joel Farabee, and Bobby Brink, three more forwards that can provide skill and could see their game elevated with the aid of Michkov.

While only one of these wingers will play alongside Michkov on a line at even-strength, it's likely that all of these players will share ice time with Michkov, either through line shuffling or power-play time.

As much as this training camp and this season is about seeing what Michkov brings, it's equally about the veteran players that get to play with him. Regardless of whether Michkov shares a line with them or not, there is growth needed from all players to keep advancing the rebuild and allow it to take the next steps.

Michkov is not going to be a savior, nor is he here to be. But his presence could have that type of impact. It could help raise the ceiling of several players around him, and set the tone for what is to come as the 19-year-old only improves from there.

So Thursday marks the day of the first look at Michkov, no longer just with the rookies, but skating alongside NHL veterans and starting to establish his place in the lineup. It's an exciting day, one that has been in the making for over a year and that didn't seem possible just a few short months ago.

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.