Among the early bright spots for a struggling Flyers team (0-6-3 through nine games as of October 15–16, 2026), these four are contributing positively relative to the group’s overall offensive and defensive woes.
Here’s a quick look at their 2026-27 starts:
- Matvei Michkov (RW): 9 GP, 3 goals, 0 assists, 3 points, –7. He’s the team’s goal leader and has scored in multiple games (including the most recent 2-1 loss at Detroit). High shooting percentage so far, with consistent middle-six/power-play minutes.
- Denver Barkey (C):6 GP, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, –1. Returned from a lower-body injury early in the season and has chipped in helpers while averaging around 14 minutes a night (including some power-play time). Solid depth/middle-six presence.
- Oliver Bonk (D): 3 GP, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point (roughly –2 to –3). Recently recalled and immediately slotted on the top pair with Sanheim. After a tough debut (–3 vs. Carolina), he bounced back strongly vs. Seattle with an assist on a strong individual rush; coach Rick Tocchet praised his composure and ability to move past mistakes. Averaging ~18+ minutes.
- Travis Sanheim (D):9 GP, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points, –8/–9. Logging massive minutes (often 25+ per game, among the NHL’s highest) as the top defenseman. He’s producing points and providing leadership/structure on the blue line despite the team’s poor goal differential.
The Flyers have scored just 1.2 goals per game and have been outshot heavily, so individual production and reliable minutes from these guys (especially the young prospects Barkey and Bonk alongside Michkov and Sanheim) stand out.
Bonk’s pairing with Sanheim and Barkey’s steady play have drawn positive notes amid the franchise-record-tying early losing streak. Next up is a home game vs. Ottawa on October 17.
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