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

The Philadelphia Flyers were in a good position to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for most of the previous season. However, their 4-9-3 finish left them four points behind the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.

With the majority of their roster returning, along with one significant new addition, the Flyers are optimistic about making it to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

“I do believe our team’s right there,” forward Travis Konecny said. “We’re going to work just as hard as we did last year. We’re going to skate and continue to work on some of the young guys getting a little bit better and some of the older guys adding stuff to their game as well. I’m really excited to see where this team can go.”

The player generating the most excitement is forward Matvei Michkov. The 19-year-old, selected with the No. 7 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract July 1, just days after having the final two seasons of his three-year contract in the Kontinental Hockey League terminated.

Michkov had 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games for Sochi, the second-most points by a teenager in the KHL history (Kirill Kaprizov, 42 in 2016-17). He is expected to play a top-six role and on the first power play with Philadelphia.

Daniel Briere, the general manager of the Flyers, stated that he and his staff are striving to maintain expectations at a manageable level.

“Briere stated, “We don’t view him as a savior. We’re definitely not placing such a burden on his shoulders. He’s just 19, he’s here to learn and improve his game. While we’re hoping that he has limitless potential, we’re certainly not counting on him to be the team’s savior.”

However, Michkov doesn’t appear to be bothered by the high expectations.

“Winning is always the main idea,” Michkov communicated through a translator on July 24. “My purpose here is to aid the team in achieving victory. I’m here to play my own style and secure a win.”

Philadelphia has taken measures to provide a support system for Michkov, which includes employing an English-language tutor.

Briere also holds the belief that another form of support will be provided by coach John Tortorella.

“Briere asserted, “‘Torts’ will be beneficial for Matvei. He will instruct him on becoming a professional. He will show him how to compete, play with intensity, defend vigorously, but he also wants him to express his creativity, feel liberated and attempt to make some plays. I believe they’re going to work brilliantly together.”

Michkov is expected to make his greatest impact on the offensive side. Last season, Philadelphia was ranked 27th in the NHL for scoring, averaging 2.82 goals per game, and was at the bottom for power play at just 12.2 percent.

But one player won’t fix their scoring issues. Further maturation from a young group of forwards that includes Owen Tippett, Tyson Foerster, Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee and Noah Cates will be key.

The Flyers also need a more consistent season from No. 1 center Sean Couturier. The 31-year-old, returning after missing most of the prior two seasons because of back problems, started the season well but ran low on energy in the second half, finishing with one goal in his final 37 games.

Briere is optimistic that Couturier can return to his performance level prior to his injury. This was marked by back-to-back 30-goal seasons (2017-19) and winning the Selke Trophy for being the NHL’s best defensive forward (2020).

“Briere stated, “We anticipate Sean returning to his form from last year’s first-half season. He was considerably injured last year, which isn’t an excuse, but it’s a fact. Almost every part of his body was in pain, except his back, which is a positive aspect.”

He’s set to be a powerful presence. Moving forward, he’ll be a critical player for us, leading this young team.

Another offensive spark could come from defenseman Jamie Drysdale. He had had five points (two goals, three assists) in 24 games after being acquired in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 8 but played through a sports hernia sustained in October. He had surgery in April, has been skating since late July and said he’s focused on showing what he can do when healthy.

“Having a player who can control the game as he does is something our defense squad has needed for quite a while,” Farabee commented. “We’re extremely excited to have him on board, regardless of whether it’s 5-on-5 or power play. He’ll be participating in every game. It’s truly exceptional and he’s a remarkable player.”

Briere is confident that the Flyers will once again be playing significant games late into the regular season, and possibly beyond. This belief is due to the addition of Michkov, the ongoing development of their young forward group, and the expectation of healthy seasons from Couturier and Drysdale.

“Last year, we demonstrated that we have a competitive team,” commented Briere. “Our aim this year is to work hard and utilise the experience we gained last season to enhance our performance. Hopefully, we’ll be in a position to play significant games again towards the end of the season, and perhaps this time, with a more favourable outcome.”