What are NHL 24's predictions for the rookie season of the Philadelphia Flyers' top prospect Matvei Michkov?
With the recent reports of Philadelphia Flyers' top prospect Matvei Michkov signing with the team, we loaded up NHL 24 and simulated the 2024-25 season to see how the Russian rookie would fare in his first NHL season.
Because EA Sports doesn’t have the Russian leagues in their game, we had to create Michkov and add him to Philadelphia’s organization.
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We made him an 80 overall player with medium elite potential with the anticipation of his rating increasing after simulating the first season (2023-24). Additionally, we gave him four x-factor abilities tailored to Michkov’s elite stickhandling and puck skills.
Those x-factor abilities were, Puck on a String (zone ability), Ankle Breaker, Elite Edges, Shock and Awe, and Skilled Up.
We gave him a four-star rating in puck skills because when you watch Michkov play, you come away mesmerized by how talented of a hockey player he is. He's scored multiple Michigan goals already in his young career and has put many defenders on the wrong side of highlight reels.
Michkov improved to an 82 overall for the start of the 2024-25 season. In the first month of the season, the Flyers rookie started strong with two goals and seven points in nine games.
However, he didn’t keep up with that almost point-per-game clip and recorded 18 points in his next 41 games.
Michkov suffered a concussion on Feb. 10 and missed the Flyers' next three games before returning to the lineup on Feb. 18. He had two points in six games during February and 27 points in 56 games up to this point wasn’t looking like an impressive rookie season.
Injuries to Morgan Frost and Travis Konecny in March allowed Michkov to increase his points total, which he did. He recorded 12 points in 15 games despite the Flyers continuing with a horrid season and going 5-9-1 in March.
Philadelphia’s season ended and finished dead last in the league with 66 points and a 27-43-12 record.
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Michkov finished his rookie campaign with 12 goals and 41 points in 78 games, finishing seventh on the Flyers in points, and fifth amongst NHL rookie skaters.
Michkov only recorded two powerplay points, giving the impression that the CPU head coach did not utilize him on the powerplay.
One thing is for sure, if Michkov is on Philadelphia’s 2024-25 roster, he will be a shoo-in on the man advantage and will drastically improve the team’s powerplay.