Matvei Michkov earned more Calder votes than Cutter Gauthier

The fact that Matvei Michkov played NHL games for the Philadelphia Flyers this past season was a win in itself. He was not expected to be in the league for a few years. So by all accounts, it was a success.

Michkov led all rookies with 26 goals, tied for the league in even-strength goals (18), and was second in points while averaging less ice time than two of the finalists for the Calder. Michkov and Lane Hutson, the Calder winner, were the only two to take home Rookie of the Month honors twice. But when the finalists were announced, Michkov's name was not on the list.

And for good reason, well at least with two of the finalists. Hutson had the most assists by a rookie in Canadiens' history. His 60 assists were also tied for the most by a rookie in league history. Hutson became the fourth defenseman in the modern era to lead all rookies in scoring. As for Dustin Wolf, he nearly single-handedly led the Flames to the playoffs, going 29-16-8 with a 2.64 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

The main argument that could have placed Michkov on the ballot was Macklin Celebrini. It appears the deciding factor was Celebrini's position as a center and the added responsibilities he has on the ice. Therefore, his impressive play was even more commendable given everything else he has to manage.

That is not what we're here to discuss. Let's dive into the votes. Huston dominated the competition, securing 1,832 out of a possible 1,910 points. Following him was Wolf with 1,169 points and Celebrini with 1,104 votes. Meanwhile, Michkov finished a distant fourth with only 645 votes. He did not receive a single first-place vote, instead gathering eight second-place, 26 third, 151 fourth, and six fifth-place votes.

But let's take a look at something else. What is that name below Michkov's?

Yes, that is former Flyer draft pick Cutter Gauthier. He was far behind Michkov with 92 votes, only seeing fourth and fifth-place votes tossed his way. Gauthier didn't have a bad year by any means. He posted 20 goals and 44 points in his first season. 18 of those goals came at even strength, tying Michkov.

However, for a player who seemed to be demanding NHL playing time immediately, things did not go well to start the season. Gauthier did not score his first goal of the season until his 17th game. Michkov had six goals by that point, scoring his first two in his third career game. He had five multi-point games already.

Gauthier was demoted to bottom-six minutes early in the season, sometimes finding himself on the fourth line. Michkov did see a loss in ice time, some in-game benchings, and was scratched a few times. There were far different reasons at play there, though. At the halfway point of the season, Gauthier had just five goals and 18 points. Michkov had five goals after 14 games. He had 13 goals and 30 points after 41 games.

To make things even better, the 41st game of the season is when the Flyers and Ducks faced off in Philadelphia. Michkov scored, and the player Gauthier was traded for, Jamie Drysdale, had two points in the game. Gauthier had no points and was a -1 in a little over 13 minutes of ice time. Not to mention the chants after Drysdale's goal.

While Gauthier did have a stronger second half, he finished with a point total (44) that Michkov had beaten long before that. Gauthier had a point streak that lasted at least three games three times. Michkov had eight, his largest being a six-game streak where he collected four goals and 11 points.

All is not told after one season, but seeing Michkov's name above Gauthier's has to make Flyers fans happy. And probably gives them a good chuckle or two.