Photo Credit: NHLFlyers.com
E224 – Matvei Michkov Arrives In Philadelphia (Ft. Jim Jackson)
Matvei Michkov has finally arrived in Philadelphia. On July 23rd, the Flyers shared out a picture of Michkov being welcomed at JFK airport by Daniel Briere and Keith Jones on social media stating simply “Ladies and gentlemen. We got him.” From there the online Flyers community was in a whirlwind of emotion as they received a gift earlier than anyone anticipated after he was drafted 7th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. But now he is here and the fanbase no longer has to track his performance online and can see it manifest on the NHL ice. What kind of impact can Michkov have in his first year in the NHL? We can anticipate a top-tier NHL rookie performance out of Michkov, but the range of production is still unclear. While betting markets have him as the favorite to win the NHL’s rookie of the year trophy, the Calder Trophy, we do not know the production it would take to make that happen. He will have lots of competition in that respect, but if Michkov can hit the 60 point mark in his rookie season, he would most likely be the favorite come the end of the season.
While you will find some naysayers online, mostly Montreal Canadian fans, talking about how he is not that skilled and is a one-dimensional player. That is not what his history displays. He has has constantly elevated his level of play every year of his development that not only saw him absolutely dominate players in his age group, but break records against men in the MHL, VHL, and KHL leagues even though he was always the youngest in the crop. With his draft year 12 months behind him, Michkov is more developed than the typical franchise caliber prospect coming into the NHL. Typically they come into the league at 18, but Michkov has had some more time to test his game against men and even battling pneumonia did not stop him from being one of the best players in the KHL.
On this episode of Gettin’ Gritty Wit It, Yariv and Vasili welcome back to the show long time Philadelphia Flyers broadcast legend Jim Jackson. Jim brings his long tenure of knowledge and experience in the NHL, as well as having a deep understanding of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise onto the show. We dig into the big Michkov news and what Jim’s opinions of the organization is now that we’re into the reflection point of the offseason. You can check out Jim Jackson’s Broadcasting school here.
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