The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing and with such a pause from now until training camp it gives fans and media alike time to stir up hypothetical trades and create lists/rankings to spark conversation. With that in mind, I will continue the prospect rankings that I did for The Hockey News in January, hoping to make an annual offseason series, especially with new faces cycling in every June.
After hours of extensive research on every Flyer prospect, dating back to late 2023 when I first began digging into the pipeline, I have compiled an in-depth outlook on the organization’s top 25 prospects following the NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas, Nevada and heading into the 2024-25 season.
When considering a long-term goal that the Philadelphia Flyers’ front office has been upfront with, the future may seem rather promising. Among all 32 clubs, currently, the Flyers have the best goaltending pipeline and a top-15 prospect pool. However, the rebuild is still ongoing and far from over with work still to be done.
*All player statistics courtesy of eliteprospects.com
Part I – 2024-25 Philadelphia Flyers Top 25-16 Prospect Rankings:
Philadelphia Flyers Pipeline Data:
2020-2024 Draft History:
Top 15 Prospect Rankings:
15. Massimo Rizzo, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
One of the few prospects the Flyers have traded for in recent years is 22-year-old Massimo Rizzo — also a very low-risk high-reward centerman from Denver University. The Flyers traded David Kase’s rights to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Massimo Rizzo and a 2025 5th-round pick, which looking back is a ridiculous trade. After acquiring Rizzo, fans have been left to their own devices when considering what he brings to the table as an overage in college and a seventh-round pick from 2019.
GM Daniel Briere signed him to an entry-level contract this summer as he looks to showcase his abilities at the pro level. He came to Allentown late last season after closing out his college career with a second National Championship with Denver, adding to an already extensive trophy case. In doing so, he battled through a high-ankle sprain and dealt with some upper-body issues throughout the year. But he has reported and although never making his AHL debut, he was able to recover and get reps in while practicing with the team and staff.
It is all forecheck, backcheck, paycheck for Rizzo. He has the tenacity and grit to play in-your-face hockey, forcing turnovers and creating offensive opportunities. He has played way above a seventh round pick standards, having ridiculous hockey IQ with eyes on the back of his head, being able to connect tape-to-tape passes through traffic and find teammates anywhere in the offensive zone.
An argument that is still largely talked about among fans, especially during the offseason, is that Rizzo competed against much younger players, yet he was producing at the same level throughout his NCAA career. No college player had more points over the past three years than Rizzo, he held a point-per-game pace through his first two seasons and was a Rookie of the Year finalist and Hobey Baker nominee in his freshman year. He only steered off track in his final year due to his ankle.
He proved his ability to perform against higher-end talent within the NCAA and in the Spengler Cup playing for Team Canada. This season he was unable to finish in the top five for scoring, but when healthy he was a difference-maker against teams like Boston College, Notre Dame, and North Dakota, among others.
The Flyers are bare bones at the center position, and Rizzo can be a piece down the middle when needed while also being used up and down the lineup in any forward position and on special teams. He has the potential to become a lower-end middle-six centerman in the NHL who can create offense and hold his own all over the ice.
14. Samu Tuomaala, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
Finnish-born Samu Tuomaala, 21, has yet to make the Philadelphia Flyers roster outright and has been back and forth between Lehigh Valley and Finland over the last year and a half. This past season was the first full season in the AHL for Tuomaala, and he put together some promising numbers.
Things looked bleak to begin his pro career after only playing two games and returning to Finland in short order in 2021-22 then spending the entire 2022-23 season overseas. Since having a short stint in the AHL and after figuring himself out back home, he has found his touch for the Phantoms. During his full rookie campaign, he came within three points of tying a career-high (46) carried over from Mestis, playing for Ketterä on loan.
Tuomaala has a lot of drive in his game. He loves to run plays and carry the puck through the neutral zone himself. He put up 28 assists with 15 goals for 43 points, which was third among all Phantoms players — also among the best rookies in the American League. He strived to showcase his playmaking abilities and seemed to always find tape-to-tape passes. He has self-awareness on the ice to a level that can not be taught, making him a more unprecedentedly reliable winger.
He was on fire heading into the All-Star break, but things faded, the same could be said about the Phantoms. Injuries popped up, and half a dozen call-ups, Tuomaala couldn’t keep up and he was losing key linemates in the process. He was pacing for a career-high 63 points (20 goals, 42 assists) in 72 games but only appeared in 69 and lost a lot of offensive support.
If the point department does not intrigue, then it is worth noting how he reads plays extremely well, can find the puck in stride, accelerates through the ice, and drives plays all over the ice. He accelerates coast-to-coast, has a strong wrist shot and is a versatile threat on the power play. Not only an offensive accusation but a great two-way winger.
Tuomaala possesses the skill and puck-handling ability to be a valuable transition player with the ability to do some sensational things with the puck. Having the right tools in his arsenal, he can be a more diverse attacker and will translate well at a high level, especially with a full year under his belt.
13. Alex Čiernik, Nybro Vikings IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Alex Čiernik, 19, is a highly talented prospect who possesses a unique combination of skills. He is an explosive skater who can easily manoeuvre or evade defenders with exceptional crossovers and edge work. His speed, paired with athleticism and clever hands, makes him a deadly playmaker who can create scoring opportunities in a multitude of ways and find the back of the net on his own.
Speed is a big thing with Čiernik, especially at only 5-foot-10 and just under 180 pounds. He has all the tools to succeed as an undersized forward is just a matter of staying healthy. He was sidelined for most of the 2023-24 season and his World Juniors were also cut short because of concussions. He appears to have made a full recovery and be back for the upcoming season, but this will be something to monitor in his development because at full health he is hard to stop.
To go along with his quick feet, he is an impactful player in all three zones and can change direction rather quickly. He is far from one-dimensional, making hard passes look easy, has a strong hockey sense and thrives at creating offense. He has his own office in and around the faceoff circles, always active and looking for a pass, rebound or scoring chance.
Although his season was rather short, he still showed a glimpse of what he is capable of. In 26 games for Västerviks IK in HockeyAllsvenskan, he had 4 goals with 10 assists outperforming his previous markers by a wide margin and earning more ice time, this having been his first year not on loan.
Internationally, granted injuries deflated his production. He had 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 11 games across two tournaments (WJC-20, International-Jr) for Slovakia U20. Looking beyond the score sheet, to be a difference maker at a higher level, Čiernik will need to focus on his strength and expanding his attacking abilities. Everything is there for him to take, right in his wheelhouse. It is just a matter of connecting the dots to see that next jump in his development.
12. Alex Bump, Western Michigan (NCAA)
20 • LW • 6’0″ / 194 Ibs • Left handed • Drafted: 2022 fifth round, 133rd overall pick.
THN 2023-24 Ranking: 13
Alex Bump, 20, has taken a massive leap in prospect rankings, and for good reason. He plays with such intensity and passion that bleeds into his game and makes for a very exciting player. The 6-foot-0 tall winger had a great freshman year at Western Michigan, which put him on people’s radars.
He plays tenacity and loves to get the crowd going, whether it be his own team or the opponent. He thrives off of fan engagement and lives for the big moments. His development really saw a huge spike after his time at Prior Lake High and in the USHL. He carried that over into college where he was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team and was a finalist for the NCHC Rookie of the Year Award with 14 goals, 22 assists and 36 points in 38 games for Western Michigan.
He was set to start his freshman season at the University of Vermont in the fall of 2023-24, but his former head coach, Todd Woodcroft, was fired in mid-July. As a result, Bump entered the transfer portal and announced via Instagram that he would play for Western Michigan.
Bump is an athletic and explosive forward who can expertly manoeuvre defenders along the boards to gain offensive entry. He has a silky toe-drag release and is also a skilled catch-and-release shooter. He has shown positive signs at being a true piece to the puzzle while being a reliable NHL winger with strong penalty killing tendencies. With the right coaching, Bump has the confidence to perform well in any role handed to him.
11. Carter Sotheran, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Nick Schultz and the brass may not be high on Carter Sotheran, 19, but don’t let that turn you off from the most versatile blueliner in the Flyers pipeline. Heading into the 2023 NHL draft, Central Scouting ranked him 89th, to put that into perspective Briere and the scouting staff selected him 46 picks later at 135th overall.
It should never define a player on where they are taken in the draft, but in this case, it could result in being a steal for the club if they do the right thing and hold on to the Stanford, Manitoba native. He is a heavy-hitting big-bodied defenseman who loves to join the rush and is a true transition specialist. When he is on the ice, he is rarely scored on. He pushes the puck out of the zone effortlessly and can quickly adjust to oncoming traffic.
Sotheran is poised with great control, calm and controlled with puck possession. He uses his size and strong legs, making for long strides and an active stick with a long reach. He is the most versatile because of how dynamic he can be in any given situation, he prides himself on it. He can adapt in any way the team needs when called upon.
He has offensive strides, but it is overshadowed due to him having to play more of a lockdown style. This is what the Portland Winterhawks call for and he can adjust without a sweat. However, the 2024-25 season should see more of an opening for Sotheran and his game in the offensive zone.
To be as fluid as he is, it starts with a strong hockey IQ and good decision-making, two top qualities Sotheran has. Despite his size, he is always moving his feet and has good hands for a blueliner both with a stick and when the gloves come off. He can play left and right defense and it won’t change how he approaches the game, he can still contribute to playing a two-way game efficiently.
“I have the skills to jump up in the play and create plays but due to having so many offensive-minded players already, I have to shift my role as being more of a defensive guy,” Sotheran told FlyersNittyGritty. “That’s why the production has been a little down. I am changing my role to what the team needs and wants.”
Regardless of analysts or scouts who have ranked him low on the depth charts, he could make them bite their tongues. He is an extremely resourceful and mobile defenseman who could play a significant role in the Flyers’ future. He can quarterback a power-play unit and is a creative threat on both ends of the ice. He knows how to use his large frame to his advantage and properly, something that takes years to grasp.
His regular season production was nothing short of consistent, but his WHL Playoff performance turned many people’s heads. During the regular season, he had 13 goals, 27 assists and 40 points with an outstanding 46 plus-minus in 66 games. He carried that into the playoffs, where he became a difference-maker for the Winterhawks and was among the lead leaders in all major categories. He capped it off with a ridiculous 20 plus-minus, adding 7 assists and 11 points in 14 games.
10. Denver Barkey, London Knights (OHL)
Denver Barkey, 19, is one of the Flyers’ most talked-about prospects but his small stature draws the most concern. He has the tools to become a top-six player and has the ability to translate a well-structured game as an undersized forward, but he will need to fill out as much as possible if he wants to have any success at higher levels and without hurting his overall game, he can only add so much.
During camp, he still looked small on the ice but during interviews, it was apparent he has started to put on some muscle to hold his own in the NHL, let alone the OHL. The real difference maker in Barkey’s game is his playmaking with impressive production and natural offensive abilities. He is smooth with the puck, a good decision-maker who is quick on his feet. Despite the knock in size he uses his body well to adjust for a better angle or pivot to create space which all connects well with his considerable above-average speed.
Barkey is anywhere and everywhere in the offensive zone, especially on the power play. It feels like he is in multiple places at once sometimes, from in front of the net with an active stick, above the hash marks or even walking the blue line with or without possession. Not to mention he is deadly for the London Knights even on the penalty kill.
Last season, he scored 59 points in 61 games played. He shattered his previous career highs by almost double with 35 goals, 67 assists and 102 points through 64 games, carrying that momentum into the OHL Playoffs and putting together 27 points in 18 contests.
Barkey had over 10 multi-point games, led the OHL in shorthanded goals, is dynamic in special team situations and is considered one of the best Ontario Hockey League prospects from the 2023 draft class, yet went undrafted until the third round. He is an incredibly fun, skilled, and shifty forward to watch. Barkey has high-end playmaking abilities, a constantly running motor and an underdog mindset, which attracts fans towards him.
9. Alexei Kolosov, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
Alexei Kolosov, 22, has been an up-and-down project over the last year for the Flyers regime. After not making it to development camp for several reasons, and now looking to stay in Dinamo for another year, Kolosov is expected back in North America nonetheless as he remains under contract.
After initially struggling in North America, he is expected to report for his first full season in Allentown. He is looking to stay in Russia for another season on loan, something General Manager Daniel Briere wants no part of and makes for a weird situation. This initiated complications for all parties involved, which has led to Kolosov being put to the waist side, as he will be attended to accordingly but not urgently.
The KHL is typically a higher-scoring league, making his season stats somewhat impressive. He possesses a Jonathan Quick acrobatic-like style that forms well with his 6-foot-0, 185-pound frame. He is a very flexible and athletic netminder with exceptional ability and quick hands to cover the net, making for smooth agility in the crease. He is an incredibly exciting goalie to watch when he is on his game, someone who can win games for his team and rises in big moments.
Kolosov was among the top goalies in the KHL this season, having four shutouts and ranking in the top 20 for goals against average (2.39) and save percentage (.907) with 47 starts and 57 appearances. In those games, Kolosov had made just over 1,000 saves and allowed 104 goals, earning him a 2.39 goals against average and a .907 save percentage with a 22-21-3 record. Despite his unorthodox style, he finds himself in position to make saves. He is an elite undersized netminder who is one of the top goaltending prospects in the NHL.
In two appearances between the pipes in the American League, Kolosov allowed 6 goals on 46 shots faced, damaging his report card with a 3.03 GAA and a .885 Sv% with a 1-1-0 record. In his defence, he joined the team late in the year when the Phantoms were plagued with injuries and a handful of players were up with the Flyers. This led to his numbers declining with a rough defensive core in front of him but he also did not look comfortable when facing the shooter. He was off his edge and quickly overwhelmed, something of a rarity when watching his tape from Russia.
His time in the AHL did not go as smoothly as hoped. It left a sour taste in people’s mouths. Not only his play but how everything was handled and approached by everyone involved. Whether it be not getting enough starts in Lehigh Valley, feeling homesick and unable to find his footing while in a hotel for a month, or if he thought he would be gifted the starting role. No matter the argument, there needs to be a refresh and it needs to go smoothly. There is still a lot to consider and like about Kolosov at his age, which is still young for a goaltender. It is hard to ignore his raw talent and abilities but it is a matter of it translating to the pros and if he can handle the adjustment.
8. Heikki Ruohonen, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Heikki Ruohonen, 18, is a talented power center known for his renowned hockey sense, size and strong abilities wrapped into one. His performance in both the regular season and on the international stage for Finland caught the attention of the orange and black. During his time with the U20 SM-sarja, he scored 20 goals, made 27 assists, and accumulated 47 points in 37 games. Scouts had the opportunity to observe his impressive resume for themselves during the WJC-18, where he topped 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in the same amount of games.
After committing to Harvard for the fall of 2024-25, he will have to hold off because he had not played above the U20 level to keep his NCAA commitment. So, he held eligibility for the 2024 USHL Draft and was selected first overall by the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He will be heading to Dubuque while Noah Powell is on his way out. Similar to his counterpart during his time in the USHL, Ruohonen has shown talent and poise at every level consistently and is expected to have a breakout season as a Saint.
There is no denying how smart this 18-year-old is, there is a reason he is committed to Harvard and it shows on and off the ice. He is a strong player offensively and physically with a great frame and ridiculous IQ. Typically it is rare to find more than one strong quality in a player but Ruohonen truly possesses three. He is an all-around dynamic player with power-forward, two-way and playmaking tendencies that shine throughout his game.
He battles hard in front of the net and creates space, relentlessly. He has a strong skating ability, quick for his big-bodied frame with a constant running motor. Despite standing at 6-foot-2 he is very agile in his movements, making him appear smaller than he is. However, he plays big and uses his positioning well, manipulating the opponent. He knows how to create rebounds off a goaltender rather than shooting it into the chest. The offensive side of the puck seems almost effortless for him. He has an active stick at all times, uses his body to hold off defenders, gets into tight areas and has great physicality with impressive grip strength.
Not only is he creative at 5-on-5 but he can play the bumper and is reliable on special teams. Ruohonen uses the boards well on both sides of the puck making him hard to play against. It is always tough to pin him down and knock the puck off of him. He has a great shot and uses it effectively, paired with an underrated speed aspect allowing him to easily create separation.
He carries a muscular build that is complemented well all over and has a keen awareness of the three zones. Because of his size, awareness, and playing style, Ruohonen is a potential future NHL piece in some capacity. His offensive skill set has shown significant improvement over the year. In the latter months of his draft year, he emerged as a promising prospect with the potential to become a second-line center, with the floor of a top-six player and a strong chance of reaching his full potential in the NHL.
7. Yegor Zavragin, SKA-Neva St. Petersburg (VHL)
Yegor Zavragin, 19, is an exciting addition to the goalie pipeline as another Russian body in the mix. Coming out of the VHL with ridiculous numbers he has signed with SKA in the KHL for another three years, marking his arrival to North America in the fall of 2027-28. He was sent on loan to HC Sochi for the 2024-25 season.
Posting similar, if not better, numbers in certain categories than Igor Shesterkin in the VHL. Compared to the other two goalies (Kolosov, Bjarnason) on the list, there’s still a lot of wait-and-see for Zavragin given his lack of playing time last year—but he was so damn good in the VHL playoffs, facing over 40 shots in two of his three games against AKM Tula.
Regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation out of Russia, he is not phased at all and he knows it means nothing until he proves himself. “They write and write, what’s the difference? It doesn’t put pressure on me,” Zavragin told MatchTV’s Alexander Rogulev in an interview.
He has one of the weirdest playing styles I’ve seen from a goaltender in a long time. He appears to almost jump into position before coming set for a shot and holds a high stance while in his butterfly. No problem there. He makes for a very unorthodox netminder, but makes it work and has been very noticeable during his time in Russia.
It is important to note that he has played in the MHL/VHL, which is a league below the KHL, but you cannot ignore his impressive stats at such a young age. Zavragin has been and has been solid between the pipes, splitting 25 games between Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk (VHL) and Mamonty Yugry (MHL), posting outstanding numbers in both leagues. He finished the season in the VHL and will make his KHL debut later this fall.
In 17 games in the VHL, he held almost a perfect record at 13-1-0, with three shutouts, a 1.60 GAA and .943 Sv% — he was on pace for the best VHL season ever but fell just short — No goalie with 15+ games has ever carried a .956 SV%. As for the MHL, he tallied seven less wins, one regulation loss and two overtime losses. Undeterred by the extra losses, Zavragin still posted a .945 save percentage and 1.63 goals against with another two shutouts in eight fewer games.
6. Carson Bjarnason, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
The last goaltender to appear on the rankings, I have saved the best for last. Carson Bjarnason, 19, out of the WHL has been an exciting prospect to watch develop in just the last year and a half since his name was called at the NHL draft. His development over the last year alone has been enough to sway people when considering his abilities and potential in between the pipes. He turned heads at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase, where he proved to be a strong contender for the starting role for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.
He has been working with the Flyers Goalie Coach Kim Dillabaugh and staff on utilizing his big frame at 6-foot-3, 203 pounds and keeping his hands out front. He has become very oriented in the blue paint and is very technical in his movement laterally. His size at only 19 makes for an athletic, dominant frame for an NHL goaltender and he is learning how to do so effectively.
Bjarnason posted better numbers than Carey Price, among other netminders, in his U-18 WHL season (.905 to .906 only, min. 20 starts). Goalies of note: Carey Price, Joel Hofer, Olaf Kolzig, Stuart Skinner, Brian Boucher.
I know many people have Zavargin over Bjarnason or Kolosov over Bjarnason or even both, but taking into consideration the workload, the underdeveloped defense in front of him, consecutive starts, and travel. I think Bjarnason has the upper hand on all fronts, especially when considering the gruelling WHL schedule, his stats are quite comparable if not better than that of the other two goaltending prospects. It also makes for less of an adjustment period for Bjarnason compared to the two overseas goaltenders.
If you want to argue, he got lit up in development camp during a scrimmage, fine. But when the team in front of him is mainly camp invitees with one actual prospect on the back end in Oliver Bonk and Bjarnason is facing shot after shot, breakaway after breakaway, it makes sense why he allowed six goals.
Bjarnason’s long legs are his biggest weapon when stretching across to make a save or staying square to a shooter. He consistently takes away the bottom part of the net with them and his agile movement. He uses the overlap technique on rush chances because if there is a back door pass; he can stretch across and cover the extra space easier.
He cuts down the angle significantly and prevents being beaten shortside the same way if he’d hug the post. Although his underlining stats may not be impressive, his style of play resembles that of his idol, Carey Price. Similar to the former Canadiens netminder, Bjarnason keeps his team in games each night and carried the Wheat Kings into a playoff spot late in the season. He allowed 64 goals this season and has recorded 3.01 goals against and a .907 save percentage.
Making over 1,300 saves with a 24-17-4 record and two shutouts. He is an athletic goaltender with good size and play-reading ability. He needs to work on his improvisational play but has shown potential to become an NHL-calibre goaltender, especially over the last year. He is only going to get better with age.
5. Jack Berglund, Färjestad BK J20 (J20 Nationell)
Jack Berglund, 18, is a physical two-way forward with a large 6-foot-3, 209-pound frame to boot. Not only is he a big presence on the ice but is also known for some exceptional playmaking skills. He is a true all-around player with a lot of potential, a player who is hard on the forecheck, making himself an option for a breakout and he carries the puck through the neutral zone efficiently.
He has above-average hands and footwork with long strides to create a lot of separation for a sizeable player. He is a well-structured heads-up decision-maker with intelligent awareness and a strong shot which helped him score 15 goals and 19 assists for the Färjestad BK J20 in 41 games played. He also played oodles of hockey internationally and in and around Sweden this year and looks to do the same in 2024-25.
With Berglund’s frame, it is common for players to have slower legs and struggle to keep up but he makes up for it with good puck control and uses his strength effectively to hold off defenders. He also possesses a confident attitude and a positive work ethic. He will tirelessly battle in front of the net for a loose puck or rebound and shows a lot of patience in all three zones.
His overall defensive structure may need some more time and conditioning but he has an active stick and sacrifices the body to block a shot. While Berglund may not have a game-changing factor, he demonstrates great composure and effectiveness in every aspect of his game. He is noticeable in all three zones with a well-rounded 200-foot game. His purposeful and intense play style helps him excel in certain areas and not be a liability.
4. Emil Andrae, Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL)
A special wildcard the Flyers still hold is Emil Andrae, 21, who is a skilled Swedish-born defenseman for the Phantoms. Although he has played in the NHL, he still needs more seasoning in Lehigh Valley. He has consistently displayed promising assets in his game.
He is an undersized offensive forward at 5-foot-9, 181 pounds but succeeds and plays bigger than he appears. He is a strong defenseman on special teams and can be a reliable body on the back end.
Despite some injury setbacks, including concussions, he produced 32 points in 61 games this season. Five goals and 27 assists. Granted, despite the small sample size in the AHL and NHL, Andrae is a defenseman with an offensive mindset and can play a 200-foot game.
Andrae has looked strong in both his small sample size and his full season as a Phantom. He skates well, has a great shot, and isn’t afraid to play physically. He is excellent at breakouts and makes quick decisions with the puck in the defensive zone, and he can play in any situation.
3. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Jett Luchanko, who recently just turned 18, lives up to his name. He is a speedster and shows it every chance he gets. He beats up on opponents and can utilize his strong IQ to outmanoeuvre and outperform. He needs more control with his hands and needs to tighten up a bit when deking through, but only 17 on the draft floor he has a lot of promise.
He is extremely agile and jumped from Guelph’s fourth line to their first, with his infectious energy and blazing speed making him a top prospect. Luchanko thrives in the corners and defensively.
He beats opponents to lose pucks constantly, can get physical if necessary, and forces a ton of turnovers with high-energy pressure. He will take the body if it means finishing a play while showcasing high-end skill to manipulate defences and get in-tight on goaltenders.
Luchanko performed extremely well at the NHL Combine, leading in a few categories, despite being almost a year younger. His abilities are promising considering. Once he gets older, he will expand and get even stronger.
Despite playing for the struggling Guelph Storm in the OHL, he had an outstanding season, scoring 20 goals and tallying 54 assists for 74 points in 68 games. Although he may not have been considered a typical top-15 pick, his exceptional skating ability and strong work ethic make him a top-5 prospect in the system.
2. Oliver Bonk, London Knights (OHL)
The top 10 and even the top 5 are so interchangeable that it was hard for me to truly lock down a top 5. I had about five different names holding No. 2 to 5 throughout the making of these rankings. Between Carson Bjarnason, Jett Luchanko and Emil Andrae, all at one point being considered at two. But I will give credit where credit is due and that places it on Oliver Bonk, 19, the Flyers’ future top defenseman.
I have BEEN HIGHLY CRITICAL of Bonk the last few months and people have picked up on it. I do not hate him, I still think he is a huge piece to the puzzle, but for a young defenseman, there is still a lot of work to be done. However, that is to be expected. I have more so been noting it and keeping tabs rather than honing in on his sudden offensive jump.
In his draft year, his defensive abilities were overblown, making him appear to be a lockdown defensive threat to then be overlooked the following year because of a sudden spike in point production.
I’ll give him credit. He looked better this year at camp, but he can’t just be all offense and forget about his defensive side. And he is also still young. He has time to grow and develop. But right now there are just a few things that people overlook and just admire his offensive game when that will not be a thing at the NHL level. If he can show out defensively in the OHL like he did at camp, that will be a huge improvement.
Bonk showcased a more varied skill set and continued to hone his shutdown game. He has a more willingness to try high-skill plays rather than sitting back. Defensively, he is a well-rounded play-stopper who improved his back-checking. The way London plays and the way he is used in the bumper will not work in the NHL. His defensive mistakes are overlooked or barely noticeable because his teammates are quick to cover them with a fast turnaround of high offense.
Though he might not have the mechanical ability to become a big offensive contributor in the NHL similar to Shayne Gostisbehere, he could become a defence-first defenseman with a mix of offense.
If he isn’t a defensively sound D-man and his offensive abilities can’t translate to the NHL, that’s a problem. He can’t be an effective two-way D-man if he struggles in both those areas at the pro level. He said himself that he is not great at anything but good at everything.
He has the qualities of a Flyer and will do whatever it takes to help his team win. At only 18 years old, he has already caught the attention of Team Canada’s World Junior team and is eager to prove himself on the international stage after struggling in last year’s showing. He fell three points short of 70 (24 goals, 43 assists, 67 points) in 60 games. Bonk has the potential to become a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL but I think he is still two years away, with more seasoning in Allentown. The Flyers brass are very high on Bonk’s talent and abilities.
1. Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
19 • C/RW • 5’10” / 172 Ibs • Left handed • Drafted: 2023 first round, 7th overall pick.
THN 2023-24 Ranking: 1
The Flyers’ current blue-chip prospect who will see the NHL soon? Actually, in less than three months. Matvei Michkov, 19, is the reason the pool is ranked in the top 15 among all NHL teams. He is still classified as a prospect, at least for the next year, so why not pump his tires a bit more while I still can?
The stage is set for him to prove his worth at the NHL level and he is expected to flourish.
He appears to always be two steps ahead of his opponents and plays bigger than he is. He never lets an opportunity go by, he seizes opportunities most can’t even see or imagine, beating defenders to the puck, creating offensive out of thin air and manipulating them with smooth transitions. He’s a master at breaking apart opponents off the rush with changes of speed and lateral movements. His creativity is something to watch all season long.
Michkov is a deceptive and tactically brilliant masterpiece. He has unbelievable patience; he is dynamic anywhere on the ice and will wait until the right opening becomes clear. He also can create space or draw up a play while off the puck. Showcasing this in the KHL is one thing, but doing it with a team like HK Sochi while missing time because of a brutal sickness is another. He has dynamic talent and can process the game at high speeds. It is clear he is a generational talent, or at the very least in the Flyers system, the future.
In the KHL, he kept pace with Evgeny Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kirill Kaprizov, and Alex Ovechkin, among others. In 91 games he scored 30 goals, 36 assists and 66 points with a 0.73 point-per-game. He had 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games while in an injury/sickness-plagued season.
Michkov is a Philadelphia Flyer through and through. He has the grit and determination that Philly sports fans gravitate towards. Not only does he have superstar potential, but he has the passion and drive to be a truly elite talent at the NHL level. He will get into the dirty areas and battle hard along the boards.
