Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov are the “new hot duo in Philly,” and the hype is real. As of late September 2025, these two have been turning heads during the Flyers’ Training Camp and Pre-Season, blending elite skill, creativity, and off-ice chemistry into what could become one of the NHL’s most entertaining tandems. With the regular season opener against the Florida Panthers just days away on October 9, all signs point to them sticking together on the top line. Let’s break it down.
How They Got Here
- Zegras’ Trade to Philly: On June 23, 2025, the Flyers acquired the 24-year-old center from the Anaheim Ducks in a low-risk deal, sending forward Ryan Poehling, their 2025 second-round pick (No. 45 overall), and a 2026 fourth-rounder the other way. Zegras, a former Calder Trophy runner-up with back-to-back 60+ point seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23), had been hampered by injuries and positional shifts in Anaheim, posting just 32 points in 57 games last year. GM Daniel Briere targeted him to bolster the top-six center depth, reuniting him with ex-Duck Jamie Drysdale (traded to Philly in January 2024). Zegras enters the final year of his $5.75 million AAV contract as a restricted free agent in 2026.
- Michkov’s Arrival: The 20-year-old Russian winger, selected seventh overall in 2023, made his highly anticipated NHL debut last season after leaving the KHL a year early. He dazzled with skill and scoring instinct, earning Rookie of the Year buzz despite the Flyers’ rebuild. Michkov’s lethal shot and playmaking make him a perfect complement to Zegras’ puck-handling wizardry.
The pairing was speculated upon immediately after the trade, with Briere and new coach Rick Tocchet openly excited about their potential. As one analyst put it, “We’d be idiots not to explore it.” Zegras even joked about teaching Michkov his signature Michigan lacrosse-style goals.
On-Ice Chemistry
What started as extra post-practice reps has evolved into on-ice magic. The duo has been glued together in camp, often staying late for drills like “crossbar” (ringing the crossbar without scoring) and stick handling games—Zegras claims Michkov hasn’t beaten him yet, calling him “very funny” and “the only one that stays out there with me.”
- Pre-Season Highlights:
- In their first game together (Sept. 21 vs. Islanders), Zegras centered Michkov and Nikita Grebenkin, showing early power-play synergy with cross-zone passes.The fireworks came Saturday (Sept. 27 vs. Bruins): On a power play, Zegras entered the zone, drew three defenders, and fed Michkov at the blue line. Michkov drove the net, sucked in coverage, and dished a perfect backdoor pass for Zegras’ first Flyers goal—a rocket one-timer tying the game at 3-2. Michkov added two assists in the game, and together they’ve combined for 1 goal and 3 assists in preseason action.
Off-Ice Vibes
Instant best friends despite a language barrier, Zegras and Michkov are inseparable. Zegras has been the camp’s “life of the party,” pranking teammates and bonding with Michkov over competitive games. “He’s awesome, great kid. Very skilled,” Zegras said of Michkov yesterday. Michkov’s ultra-competitive nature shines through—he “does not like to lose,” per Zegras. This rapport is translating to the ice, with Tocchet praising their “duo” dynamic and hinting at a long look.
Why they’re the “Hot Duo” Philly Needs
- Complementary Skills: Zegras’ elite vision and Michigan moves set up Michkov’s sniper shot. Expect highlight-reel goals, power-play dominance, and top-line minutes.
- Rebuild Boost: At 24 and 20, they’re young cornerstones for a Flyers squad averaging 26 years old—the NHL’s youngest last season. If Zegras stays healthy (a big if after recent injuries), this could be a steal.
- Fan Fuel: Philly’s arena could fill with “silly shit” plays, as one reporter put it. Early fantasy drafters are stacking them, and social media is flooded with clips.
Zegras’ injury history and the duo’s defensive lapses (Tocchet wants a “reliable guy” to balance them), but the upside is massive—potentially a 100-point tandem that redefines the Flyers’ identity. Also, these two together may get more butts in the seats in Philadelphia, especially with battling against the other successful sports teams, like the Phillies and Eagles.
The Flyers need these two, and they need Philly too.
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