The Michkov Era Begins: What are Reasonable Expectations for Flyers Rookie Sensation?

There is still about a month before Matvei Michkov’s official NHL debut. That will be when the Flyers open the regular season on a four-game road trip through Western Canada. 

But as Flyers rookie camp opens this week, featuring a pair of games over the weekend against the New York Rangers rookies, Michkov will suit up in the Orange and Black for the first time, perhaps a preview of what fans can expect from the team’s top prospect.

But with all the hype, what are the reasonable expectations for Michkov?

Michkov has been widely regarded as arguably the best prospect the Flyers have had since Eric Lindros. He was often projected to be a Top-3 pick in a draft class that featured Connor Bedard. The thoughts of what could be are already racing through the minds of fans.

Of course, all of this comes after Michkov arrived ahead of expectation. Upon being drafted, Michkov had three seasons remaining on his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. It could have easily been another two seasons before this opportunity arrived for the Flyers. 

From the day that reports emerged that Michkov was, in fact, leaving the KHL to join the Flyers and the NHL, the dreaming started. Visions of the best goal-scorer the Flyers have had in over a decade, the skill player they have longed for over several years. Of course the expectations are through the roof.

That said, reasonable expectations for Michkov don’t start with any particular numbers. It’s not as simple as a 20-goal season or a 60-point season. For Michkov to be successful, he needs to be able to show his skills at the NHL level and show he can make teammates better.

If the Michkov effect leads to more production on the power play or for more forwards on the roster, it could be influential in where the Flyers take their rebuild and what needs they feel they need to address.

It’s also fair to look at Michkov’s rookie season as one that will have some growing pains. Michkov may be able to score at an early stage of his career, but can he handle the physicality and power through the adversity that is going to come at different times? Can he round out his game with the defensive awareness that is needed at the NHL level?

Watching that development is equally as important, especially with a coaching staff headed by John Tortorella behind the bench. 

Another critical development for Michkov happens away from the game. At 19 years old, Michkov is still going to be adjusting to life in North America, to the way the game is played in the NHL, to the lifestyle. He’ll have help, but it will be a process.

And so it begins, the career of Matvei Michkov on this side of the Atlantic. In another month, a training camp of learning and showcasing his skills could turn into the first chapter of his NHL career.

Given the level of excitement surrounding him, the entire city of Philadelphia should be hopping on and ready to enjoy the ride.

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