Can Matvei Michkov make his teammates better?

Yes, it was just preseason, but Saturday's win over the Boston Bruins has given Philadelphia fans a lot to discuss. First, there is the fact that rookie Matvei Michkov scored twice; including the game-winner in overtime. Secondly, there is the fact that the normally composed Sean Couturier threw down to protect his young Russian teammate, sending a signal to the league to keep their hands off and to the young kid that he will be protected. Thirdly, Jett Luchanko and Oliver Bonk, two up-and-coming rookies, have been given extended stays at training camp.

However, I'd like to submit another angle at this game. Olle Lycksell had two assists in this game. One of those assists came on Michkov's first goal of the game. In 26 total games, including 18 last season, Lycksell has six total career points, with only one goal.

For years, we've seen Lycksell excel as a member of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He's been among the top AHL scorers the last two seasons with 45 points in 2022-23 and 19 goals last season, despite splitting time with the Flyers. He has talent, but it hasn't translated up to the NHL level yet. With some prospects, like Luchanko seemingly ready to arrive, time may be running short for Lycksell, like it has for his teammate, Ronnie Attard.

Can Michkov Elevate Others?

However, Michkov's big night could be a sign of things to come. While Lycksell was on the fourth line, he did assist on Michkov's goal. We've seen Michkov paired up with a lot of guys throughout training camp. Is he one of those guys who can make others better around him?

We've seen this before. Tom Brady made any receiver a threat. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant turned anyone around them into stars. If you put Wayne Gretzky on a line with anyone, that person was guaranteed to have a 40+ point season.

Eric Lindros was one of those guys. He helped turn John LeClair and Mikael Renberg into one of the most lethal lines in the mid-90s. In the one season Jaromir Jagr was in Philadelphia, you could see the residual effects it had on Wayne Simmonds, Claude Giroux, and Scott Hartnell.

Michkov has the speed and scoring ability that he could be great with almost anyone on the same line as him. He's done well with vets like Couturier and Travis Konecny (who assisted on both of Michkov's goals). He's shown some chemistry with younger guys like Morgan Frost and Luchanko.

If Michkov is one of these guys who makes everyone around him better, the Flyers are in for a real treat. We could get used to a guy like Lycksell having two assists a night. If Michkov can elevate Lycksell's game, imagine what he can do with Frost, Konecny, Couturier, Owen Tippett, or Joel Farabee.

Just as important, if Michkov can unlock Lycksell's scoring touch at the NHL level, then what will he be able to do when Luchanko or Elliot Desnoyers is ready to come up? I don't want to get too excited...but with the way the Eagles are playing lately, I'm getting excited.