The Flyers have plenty to be excited about when it comes to their younger prospects. Some have already made the jump to the NHL while others are waiting in the wings at the AHL level. And then there’s those who need a few years in various other leagues before they can make an impact.
At the top of that list is Cutter Gauthier, currently at Boston College, and Matvei Michkov, playing for HC Sochi in the KHL. Both players are expected to be a part of the next group of Flyers to lead the team. Gauthier is likely to make his professional debut at the end of the college season while fans will have to wait a few years to see Michkov in North America.
The two have already garnered plenty of attention though as they were both named to TSN’s Top-50 U24 players. Michkov (16) and Gauthier (17) find themselves back to back amongst the group. Michkov is one of eight players that are 18-years-old. He is third to only Connor Bedard and Leo Carlsson.
Gauthier is in the midst of his sophomore season for Boston. His 11 goals are four away from tying his total from his freshman season. He leads the Eagles in goals and is third in points (15). He was recently named the Hockey East Player of the Week for the second time this season. Gauthier had three goals and four points in two games for the Eagles.
He is tied for seventh in the Hockey East with 1.33 points-per-game. His eight points have him in the top-10 as well while he is tied for second in goals. Gauthier is tied for the NCAA lead in game-winning goals (4) and power-play goals (6). The 19-year-old has a bright future ahead of him and the Flyers are ready to welcome him in.
As for Michkov, the wait is going to be a bit longer but the excitement is already there. After fighting for ice time with SKA, the Russian forward is making the most of his time with HC Sochi. He leads the team in goals (11) and is second in points (24). At his current pace, Michkov is likely to become the first U-20 KHLer to break the 50-point mark. He is on face for 57 points. It would break the previous record of 42 points set by Kirill Kaprizov in 2016-17.
Michkov has been named to the KHL All-Star team and would actually be tied for the SKA lead in points if you’re into that sort of thing.
It’s going to be exciting to see those two in the same lineup one day. But for now, we will have to appreciate from afar knowing they will be part of the Flyers someday.