An early look at potential linemates for Matvei Michkov

Barring any trades or other moves, the Flyers likely have the roster they will enter the 2024-25 season with.

It does have many changes to it. The only free agents the team brought in aren't a lock to make the NHL roster. The biggest addition comes in the form of Matvei Michkov who will be entering his first season in North America. The rest are moves aimed at depth and veteran leadership.

While the lineup could look largely the same as it did before, there is one question to think about. Where will Michkov slot in?

An early look at potential Michkov linemates

It's not unfair to say that Michkov could be one of the most talented players on the Flyers roster despite not having played an NHL game. He's a dynamic prospect who could've arguably been a top-three pick in 2023 if not for teams afraid of his lengthy KHL contract. Among other reasons, he slipped to the Flyers and they will now reap the benefits of his early arrival.

But just because he possesses high-end skills doesn't mean he will automatically be given an opportunity. As Danny Briere said after Michkov signed his entry-level deal, he will have to earn his ice time just like everyone else. It may be a formality to say that, but there is no certainty that Michkov will be given a first-line role automatically.

Let The Kids Play

Looking at most depth charts, Michkov can be seen on a line with Owen Tippett and Morgan Frost. Those would not be bad players to put the Russian phenom with. Frost is arguably one of the Flyers' most skilled and creative forwards. He hasn't been the most consistent throughout his time in Philadelphia, but what better chance to rack up the points than with Michkov? It would also give Frost someone likely to capitalize on his creativity.

Tippett has the speed to keep up and the shot to catch a pass from Michkov and put it in the back of the net. The latter has incredible vision and the ability to make defenders miss in the blink of an eye. With that, Michkov could force the defense to try and cover him while allowing Tippett to use his speed to find holes in coverage.

The Flyers could also switch it up and swap Tippett for Joel Farabee. The latter struggled down the stretch but still put up career numbers. When at his best, he can give the Flyers a solid option no matter where he's placed in the lineup. He can put the puck in the net and also be an effective player in other parts of the ice.

Veteran Leadership

If the Flyers want to give Michkov a more veteran player to help him ease into the league, they could give him Sean Couturier as his center. Couturier isn't the player he used to be after two back surgeries and is coming off of core muscle surgery. But he still has plenty to offer in other ways. Michkov may not come out of the gates firing and could use someone who has been through the ups and downs of the NHL to assure him that it can be a process.

Couturier is responsible defensively and sees the game at a high level. He may not have the speed of someone like Tippett, but that doesn't matter if he can predict the play and be in the right position to compensate for it. Having Michkov with someone who has a top-notch hockey IQ could be important as he navigates what will make him successful at the NHL level.

If you want to load up that line, you could put Konecny on the other side and let them go to work. Konecny is only getting better with age and appears to be in the prime of his career. Not a bad time to put Michkov on his line and let the two develop chemistry as two cornerstone pieces of the Flyers' rebuild.

Konecny has also been through his struggles as a professional and has worked to become a better player over the years. He's a prime example of John Tortorella challenging a player and coming out better for it. He could help Michkov navigate things if they get tough and show him that there's a reason for it all in the end.

If the Flyers don't want to put all their eggs in one basket, this could also be a spot for Tippett. He may not have been in the league for a long time, but he used a fresh start with Philadelphia to break out. He's the example for Michkov that just because success doesn't come immediately doesn't mean it never will.

There are other mixes and matches the Flyers could go with. And it's almost a certainty that the lines will change throughout the season. But finding the right linemates for Michkov is something that should be at the top of the Flyers' list.