Rangers division rival swept up in ‘Michkov Mania’

The New York Rangers and the rest of the Metropolitan Division likely took notice July 1 when the Philadelphia Flyers signed 2023 first-round pick Matvei Michkov after his contract was surprisingly terminated in the KHL.

And somehow if that got lost in the shuffle with the start of NHL free agency, then the Flyers are making sure everyone knows about “Michkov Mania” with his arrival in the United States on Tuesday.

Like the arrival of a head of a state, the 19-year-old forward had a large welcoming party at JFK Airport, in the Rangers backyard, and it was documented with video and photographs. In fact, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere carried the youngster’s sticks for him heading toward the airport exit, next to beaming team president Keith Jones.

Michkov wisely played to the Philly crowd, wearing a Flyers golf shirt and a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap.

This moment wasn’t expected for another two years. When Michkov was selected with the No. 7 overall pick last year, he had a three-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. But he was released by them in late June, clearing his path to the Flyers.

Michkov excelled in the KHL last season with 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 48 games. He’s a dazzling offensive talent, who needs plenty of work to round out his complete game.

Oddsmakers are so taken with the talented forward that FanDuel has Michkov ranked the favorite to win the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2024-25, even ahead of San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Rangers still class of division despite Flyers big addition

Michkov’s arrival in the NHL this coming season shouldn’t shift the power structure much in the Metropolitan Division. But he should help boost an offense that was 27th in League scoring in 2023-24. One scouting report notes Michkov’s “elite puck touch and playmaking ability.” That will stand out on Philly’s roster.

The Flyers surprised the League last season by nearly capturing a playoff berth but they’ll again be battling for third place, at best, or a wild-card spot. The Rangers remain at the top of the division, with the New Jersey Devils likely back in the mix with the Carolina Hurricanes to battle for the first couple spots in the division. The Flyers are not in the same league as the Rangers.

The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins appear to be the Flyers main competitors.

But Michkov’s addition does speed up Philadelphia’s timeline to become a contender, just as the additions of defenseman Jamie Drysdale and goalie Ivan Fedotov did last season. Former Rangers coach John Tortorella has a good young team coming along in Philadelphia and it will be interesting how he handles the 19-year-old stud. Tortorella’s track record and patience with young talent can be spotty.

The Rangers could get their first look at Michkov on Nov. 29, when they visit the Flyers in their annual Black Friday matinee game. It may be the beginning of a long history against the 5-foot-10 winger, who has drawn comparisons to Capitals legend, and fellow Russian forward, Alex Ovechkin at this stage of his development.

By Jim Cerny

Jim Cerny is Executive Editor at Forever Blueshirts and Managing Editor at Sportsnaut, with more than 30 years of... More about Jim Cerny