Flyers’ Matvei Michkov, Cutter Gauthier Ranked Among Top NHL Prospects

Philadelphia Flyers draft picks Matvei Michkov and Cutter Gauthier are ranked in the top 13 of The Athletic’s Top 50 prospects.

Michkov, the Flyers’ first-round draft pick last month, is the second-ranked prospect. He was the seventh overall pick. Gauthier, the Flyers’ first-round draft pick last year, is ranked 13th. He was the fifth overall pick in 2022.

The rankings are done by Scott Wheeler, The Athletic’s expert on NHL prospects. He does rankings twice a year, in the summer and at midseason.

Three Flyers made honorable mention: defenseman Emil Andrae, forward Bobby Brink and forward Tyson Foerster.

Wheeler’s criteria for the rankings is a player must be under 23 years old; not be a full-time NHL player; must be either signed to an NHL contract or selected in the entry draft, without the expiration of either of those rights. Players with AHL contracts are not considered.

On Michkov

“Michkov is the best Russian prospect since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin back in 2004,” Wheeler wrote. “I’ve received some pushback on that from some scouts, but I’m firm on that. On talent, upside and pedigree, he’s going go be a prolific, point-producing star in the NHL.

“He’s different from [top-ranked prospect Connor] Bedard in tools and approach, though. Michkov’s brilliance comes primarily from his ability to make decisions quickly and execute on them with incredible proficiency, whether that’s ripping a patterned shot [his one-timer, his standstill wrister, his curl-and-drag, etc.), a quick move into a pass, a sudden stop-up, an attacking cut, or the use of some ingenious spatial awareness and creativity.”

On Gauthier

“Between a 10-point performance at the world juniors that somehow felt snakebitten, leading the [Boston College] Eagles in goals, assists and points as a freshman, and a darn good show at men’s worlds, Gauthier had an excellent post-draft season that positions him nicely to go two-and-done at BC and play in the NHL as early as next spring,” Wheeler wrote.

“The appeal of his game and makeup has always been obvious. Gauthier’s a net-focused shooter who has worked to turn himself into a net-driven one, playing a more intentional game that knows what it is. On the puck, he uses inside-body positioning to get to the middle off the cycle or the rush. Off of it, he finishes his checks and looks to help his line get it back.”

The honorable mention choices were listed alphabetically. Andrae has a chance to be in the Flyers’ opening night lineup. Brink, who is returning from hip surgery, also has a chance to join the Flyers next season.

Foerster had an impressive, eight-game call-up at the end of last season, scored seven points, and showed he could complete at the NHL level. He has a chance to break camp with the Flyers, not the Phantoms.

For the optimistic, Michkov and Gauthier will be the cornerstones of a Flyers’ resurgence. They’re only teenagers, so it’s going to take some time. But the talent is there.