© Philadelphia Flyers

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Philadelphia Flyers, according to NHL.com.

1. Matvei Michkov, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 7 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: Sochi (KHL): 47 GP, 19-22-41

The Flyers had initially anticipated that Michkov (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) would not be available until the 2026-27 season due to his Kontinental Hockey League contract. However, after the last two seasons of his contract were terminated and he signed a three-year, entry-level contract on July 1, they are now eagerly preparing to usher the 19-year-old into a top-six role this season.

Michkov led the KHL in points among players under 20, and his play away from the puck has also caught the attention of Philadelphia.

“His hands are like lightning and he really has an attacking approach to the game,” said Riley Armstrong, the Flyers’ director of player development. “Over the last year, I’ve been emphasising to him the importance of understanding all aspects of the game in the NHL, especially when playing under ‘Torts’ [coach John Tortorella]. During the season, I even showed him and Danny [Briere, general manager] footage of his shot-blocking and intense backchecking. The message I was trying to convey was that if you want to make an impact here, you have to cover the entire 200 feet of the rink in North American hockey, and particularly in the NHL, to truly be a versatile player. I’ve noticed him really start to embrace that approach already during his time there and his gameplay reflects it.”

Projected NHL arrival: This season

2. Oliver Bonk, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 22 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: London (OHL): 60 GP, 24-43-67

Aside from the statistics, the 19-year-old (6-2, 180) has particularly stood out due to his professionalism both on the ice and off it.

Armstrong stated, “His demeanor in the locker room and on the ice gives the impression that he’s already played professional hockey. Over the year, he’s consistently managed to avoid putting a teammate in an unfavorable position while in puck play… I firmly believe he has a clear understanding of his identity as a player. His intelligence is evident – he covers his teammates adeptly, handles puck plays smoothly, and his offensive opportunities are his well-deserved reward.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season

3. Denver Barkey, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 95 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: London (OHL): 64 GP, 35-67-102

Following his tie for fourth place in scoring in the Ontario Hockey League, the 19-year-old Barkey (5-9, 155) has been challenged by the Flyers to enhance his strength and replicate his impact in this season.

Armstrong stated, “With a bit more maturity and development, he will cultivate the strength of a man. I believe that will take his game to a new level. It might be two or three years away, but once he achieves that, I foresee him becoming an exceptional player.”

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27

4. Jett Luchanko, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 13 pick in 2024 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: Guelph (OHL): 68 GP, 20-54-74

Luchanko, who just turned 18 on Wednesday, is renowned for his skating abilities in his game stats of 5-11, 180. Currently, the challenge for him is to elevate the rest of his skills to match his skating prowess.

“Armstrong said, ‘I believe he has potential to be a highly proficient player. Once he matures and gains more strength, and other aspects such as his skating, cognition, and handling skills enhance to match his current abilities, he will start understanding the game at a different level. As his skills advance, particularly his handling abilities, I envision him being a remarkable player roughly three years from now.'”

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27

5. Alex Bump, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 133 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2023-24 season: Western Michigan University (NCAA): 38 GP, 14-22-36

Armstrong stated that the Flyers have been amazed by the rapid development of the 20-year-old both on and off the ice. He even suggested that it wouldn’t be surprising if Bump starts playing in NHL games by the end of this season.

Armstrong commented, “You can’t help but notice the confidence this kid exudes whenever he has the puck. Observing him during development camp, you could see the way he managed to make plays even with defenders on his tail, and his calmness with the puck in the center of the rink. He is a consistent player who stays within the parameters of the game. He’s not just playing around the edges, and he’s a big guy (6-0, 195)… always charging at you. There are aspects of his skating that we could improve, which I believe will elevate his game to another level. But overall, I’m truly excited about his potential.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season