Philadelphia Flyers: It’s time to move on from Mikhail Vorobyev
The pending free agent hasn’t impressed with the Flyers and has seemingly stagnated in the minors as well.
It’s been a tough few years for the Mikhail Vorobyev. Everyone thought he was going to be the next Flyers prospect to make it when he blew everyone out of the water during the preseason in 2018. His incredible play earned him a spot on the opening night roster. He even posted two points in his first two career games.
That’s when it all began to fall apart. His ice time dropped significantly and his offense completely disappeared. He was sent back to the American Hockey League for a few months. While he didn’t light things on fire there either, he was 10th on the team in points. Vorobyev put up close to his total from the previous season in 16 fewer games.
He got a second chance that season after Scott Gordon took over for the Flyers, but he once again was a non-factor. He was playing less than 10 minutes a game, once only playing 2:50 during a February game against the Oilers. Vorobyev registered just five shots in eight games, only posting those shots in two games.
The team wanted to see more effort and intensity from Vorobyev when he didn’t have the puck. While he posted three points during his chances this season, it still wasn’t enough. The confidence wasn’t there and it had been over a year since his original problems arose.
After heading back to the Phantoms yet again, he did post a higher goal and point total, but not by much. He was third on the team in goals and fourth in points. That was positive, but his numbers had seemed to stagnate.
Vorobyev’s best play has come in international contests for Russia. He posted 10 points in seven games back in 2016-17. He had the most assists in the tournament and helped Russia earn a bronze medal.
It’s not as if he would break the bank if the Flyers did decide to give him one more chance. But at this rate, it’s hard to believe he has any chances left. It’s possible he just isn’t a fit with the Flyers. And that is okay to admit. While his numbers never truly stood out throughout his career, one would hope they would have improved season to season more than they did.
The team spent a fourth-round pick on him in 2015 and things just haven’t worked. He’s just 23-years-old so there is a chance he could get better with time. The Flyers have plenty of depth at the center position, though. It may be for the best to let Vorobyev find an opportunity elsewhere.