Flyers Rookie Game: Matvei Michkov set to make debut

The excitement has been palpable since Matvei Michkov's early arrival in Philadelphia. Fans were given their first glimpse of the 2023 seventh overall selection on Thursday morning.

The line was out the door and around the corner. The Flyers estimated that at least 300 people were in attendance and plenty of No. 39 jerseys could be seen.

Philadelphia didn't wait long to let fans know when they could see Michkov in game action for the first time. Roughly an hour into the session, it was announced that his debut would take place on Friday night.

"It’s my first game in a Flyers jersey, so I’m a little bit nervous, but by the time warm-ups are over, it should be all gone,” Michkov said on Thursday through translator Max Kuznetsov. “Most important to be confident in yourself and in your teammates and everything else will be resolved.”"

Michkov also added that it was "unbelievable" to see the fan support and that "words can't even describe it."

Michkov to debut for Flyers in first rookie game

Michkov is certainly the highlight of the Flyers' roster, but there are plenty of other names to keep an eye on. Jett Luchanko will center Michkov's line as the two already seem to have some early chemistry after only one day of camp. They are arguably the team's most highly skilled prospects.

Elliot Desnoyers will be the other wing on that top line. After a rookie season in which he excelled, last season was a bit of a disappointment for Desnoyers. He is being given the chance to show that he has learned from that and has a chance to kick things off on a high note.

Fans will also get their first look at Massimo Rizzo in a Flyers uniform. He was unable to take part in most of the development camp, as he recovered from a high-ankle sprain. But he is healthy and is someone who will be fighting for a depth role in the NHL.

On defense, Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald will team up on the top pair. Both are highly regarded in the Flyers' system. Emil Andrae will also get a chance to impress as he is one of the closest players to making the jump to the NHL.

Flyers Projected Lineup

Elliot Desnoyers - Jett Luchanko - Matvei Michkov

Santeri Sulku - J.R. Avon - Alexis Gendron

Josh Zakreski - Massimo Rizzo - Samu Tuomaala

Nick Capone - Jacob Goucher - Sawyer Boulton

Hunter McDonald - Oliver Bonk

Emil Andrae - Spencer Gill

Sam Sedley - Ethan Samson

*Carson Bjarnason & Sam Hillebrandt

*The Flyers haven't specified which goaltender will start

Fans hoping to watch Michkov's debut can do so via the team's website. For those interested in listening, the feed can be found on the Phantoms365 app. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.