Flyers winger Matvei Michkov finished fourth in balloting for the 2024-25 Calder Trophy. The 20-year-old Russian forward finished behind Montreal Canadiens’ defenseman Lane Hutson, Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf and San Jose Sharks center Mackin Celebrini.
Michkov did not receive any first-place votes. However, he received eight votes for second place and 26 third-place votes. Hutson gained 165 first-place ballots, while Wolf got 15. The other 11 went to Celebrini.
Michkov led NHL rookies in goals
Despite finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting, Michkov had a very strong 2024-25 campaign. At times, he was dominant. Thus far, he’s living up to his hype of being a potential superstar in the future.
Michkov led all NHL rookies with 26 goals. He and Celebrini tied for the overall rookie forward points leadership with 63 points apiece. The Russian prodigy contributed 37 assists to go with the 26 tallies. He also led all NHL rookie forwards with 46 even-strength points. The 20-year-old had 18 power play points. The Flyers‘ long-time power play struggles cost the young forward numerous additional points this past year.
The Flyers have never had a Calder Trophy winner in team history. Bill Barber, Brian Propp, Ron Hextall, Eric Lindros and Mikael Renberg all enjoyed fine rookie years in their own right. However, no won the Rookie of the Year award.
This season, Michkov became the fourth Flyers rookie who was age 20 or younger on NHL opening night and went on to score 25-plus his rookie season. The others: Eric Lindros (19), Brian Propp (20) and Bill Barber (20).
