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Rupp’s critique of young Flyers star missed the mark
NHL Network commentator Mike Rupp issued a pointed on-air critique of Flyers winger Matvei Michkov. He then doubled down on it went questioned on Twitter. Essentially, Rupp deemed Michkov a power-play specialist. He said the player needs to improve his 5-on-5 effective if he’s to live up to his billing as a future NHL superstar.
One problem: Michkov led all NHL rookies in even strength scoring as a rookie in 2024-25. He tied Macklin Celebrini for the overall top scoring spot among rookie forwards (66 points).
There are some fair criticisms of Michkov’s 5-on-5 play as a rookie. There were times he didn’t go to the right spot to support the puck. Other times, he got caught in no man’s land in weak side coverage. He sometimes exited the D zone too early in search of a home run pass. When these things happened, Michkov heard about it immediately from former head coach John Tortorella. He was benched a few times, too.
MIchkov ‘s 200-foot game is, in fact, a work in progress. Safe prediction: Rick Tocchet and Yogi Svejkovsky will have “teaching moments” of their own with Michkov in five-on-five situations.
That said, Rupp’s statements crossed the line from fair critique to hot take. He ignored the fact that the Flyers were just a middle-of-the-pack (15th ranked) scoring team at five-on-one. He rank tied for the NHL’s overall top 50 in that category among individual players. That showed that Michkov made plenty of valuable full strength contributions as a rookie. He wasn’t just a power play or 3-on-3 specialist.
On Twitter, Rupp cited Michkov’s relatively most 5-on-5 average ice time as a rookie. He said that stat said more than Michkov’s raw 5-on-5 point stats or his production per 60 numbers. I partially agree with Rupp on the latter point. I don’t put a lot of weight into per 60 comparison. However, Rupp either accidentally or deliberately missed the bottom line.
The bottom line is this: It’s rather easy to prove that Michkov, on the whole, produced admirably at 5-on-5 in his rookie year. Forget points per 60. Just look at the raw counting numbers. That was especially true among rookies, but even among all players in the NHL.
Is there room to clean up some attention to detail areas? Absolutely. Did Tortorella have justification at times for using Michkov sparingly at five-on-five Is it a major worry? Absolutely not. The 20-year-old has barely scratched the surface of his potential, whether it’s at even strength or the power play.
Will Flyers (or Phantoms) carry three goalies?
The Flyers expect goaltender Aleksei Kolosov to show up for NHL training camp this September. Last year, the Belarusian netminder did not appear at camp. He did not want to play in the American Hockey League again.
Ultimately, Kolosov agreed to come. He had little other choice unless he wanted to sit out the entire year. He was and remains under NHL contract. However, Kolosov spent much of the season in the NHL with the Flyers as a tandem, backup, or third (healthy scratch) goaltender. He appeared in 17 NHL games (5-9-1 record, 3.59 GAA, .867 save percentage) and 12 in AHL with the Phantoms (5-6-1, 3.11 GAA, .884 SV%). Kolosov was not on the Phantoms’ playoff roster.
The situation last year was not good for anyone. Kolosov started out behind the eight ball by his own choice. Later, when he did show up, he exuded inconsistency. From game-to-game, period to period and sometimes even save opportunity, Kolosov never instilled confidence. He had isolated moments or segments where he shined. Unfortunately, he also let too many stoppable pucks leak into the net both with the Flyers and Phantoms.
The real question now: Will the Flyers or Phantoms go back to a three-goaltender rotation again in 2025-26. Kolosov, 23, seems destined for AHL assignment. How about Ivan Fedotov? Barring an injury to either Samuel Ersson or Dan Vladar, the NHL roster depth chart seems to portend waivers and AHL assignment for Fedotov. I don’t think the Flyers want to go back to a three-goalie NHL roster if everyone is healthy.
Meanwhile, rookie prospect Carson Bjarnason needs a place to play. He’s not NHL ready. Likewise, he’s probably not ready for AHL starter role right off the bat. As such, unless the Phantoms go with three goaltenders or Bjarnson puts in some ECHL time with the Reading Royals at the beginning of the season, the numbers game trickles down to the Lehigh Valley roster.
Between injury potential and general uncertainty, it’s not hard to envision three or four goalies seeing NHL games with Philadelphia at some point. Meanwhile, the Phantoms could have a comparable number of netminders who see action at some point in 2025-26. Best case scenario: the goalies stay healthy and someone steps up his game.
Flyers KHL goalie prospect starts regular season
Speaking of Russian (or Belarusian) goalies in the Flyers organization, SKA St. Petersburg opens its 2025-26 regular season on Saturday. SKA will take in the Shanghai Dragons in St. Petersburg. Coming off an outstanding rookie KHL season, Flyers 2023 third-round draftee Yegor Zavragin aims to see an increased workload this season.
Zavragin, a Novosbirsk native, turned 20 on August 23. For a look at all Flyers prospects playing in Europe in 2025-26, click hereW.
Welcome aboard New Balance Mount Laurel
Hockey Hot Stove is proud to announce that we’ve added a new Flyers content sponsor in addition to Cover All Exteriors. New Balance of Mount Laurel, NJ, owned and operated by Geoff Rabinowitz, has also joined the HHS lineup of trusted sponsors.
Geoff’s location is the shoe store of choice for the Flyers Alumni who live locally. He’s also welcomed customers among members of the current Flyers, including Matvei Michkov.
Plain and simple, Geoff is a great guy. He is very personable, a diehard Philadelphia sports fan, and someone who takes pride in getting to know customers (not just local athletes) on a first-name basis. Additionally, he is an ardent supporter of the Flyers Warriors veterans hockey program.
I always look forward to seeing Geoff at Alumni events or simply chatting with him online. I’m sure I’ll see him before then but I’m looking forward to the annual Toys for Tots collection event at the store on December 10. Numerous Flyers Alumni, Flyers Warriors and people like Lou Nolan turn out every year. Mark the date down on your calendar (there will also be reminders on Flyers Alumni social media as the holiday season approaches).
Welcome aboard to HHS, Geoff and all the fine folks at New Balance Mount Laurel! We’re so glad to have you with us.
