NHL.com provides an in-depth look at the rosters, prospects and fantasy matchups for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1. Today, there are three big questions for the Philadelphia Flyers.
1. What are realistic expectations for Matvey Mitchkov?
The 19-year-old forward arrives with remarkable excitement and an offensive skill set that sets him apart from the rest of the roster, but the Flyers are doing their best to manage expectations.
“It’s a year for him to come here and experience what it’s like to play at this level and adapt to it,” general manager Daniel Briere said. “To be honest, I don’t have a lot of expectations for him. I have more expectations for our other players who have been here for a few years to take a step forward.”
Michkov said he’s ready to learn more about life in the NHL, on and off the ice, and has a goal in mind.
“The team’s first goal is to qualify for the (Stanley Cup) playoffs,” he said through an interpreter. “Help the team win night after night so the fans can come and enjoy the games more and more.”
Michkov was on the ice working toward that goal the day after arriving in Philadelphia from Russia in late July, a level of initiative that impressed Flyers management.
“He wanted to come here early, adjust and try to put himself in the best position possible to attack the season,” Briere said. “He’s a big part of it, too. He wants it and he’s willing to put himself in those positions to be successful. I also give him a lot of credit for his willingness to put himself in the best position possible.”
