© 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 did not anticipate Michkov (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) to be available until the 2026-27 season due to his Kontinental Hockey League contract. However, after terminating the last two seasons of his contract and signing a three-year, entry-level contract on July 1, they are pleased to welcome the 19-year-old into a top-six role this season.

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

“His hands are like lightning and he’s got a strong offensive approach,” commented Riley Armstrong, the Flyers’ director of player development. “Over the past year, I’ve been advising him about the importance of understanding the other side of the puck, especially while playing in the NHL and under ‘Torts’ [Coach John Tortorella]. I’ve even shown clips to our general manager, Danny [Briere], demonstrating his shot blocking and vigorous backchecking abilities. I’ve been impressing upon him that if he wants to be a game changer here, he needs to be an all-around player, covering the full 200 feet of the ice in North America and in the NHL. I’m pleased to see that he’s already embracing this approach in his play.”

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

Apart from the statistics, the 19-year-old (6-2, 180) has shown remarkable professionalism both on and off the ice.

“Armstrong commented on his proficiency, saying, “It’s as if he’s already had a professional hockey career, given how he conducts himself in the locker room and on the ice. He has never left a teammate in a difficult position while intercepting a puck throughout the year. I genuinely believe he has a clear understanding of his role as a player. His intelligence shines through as he consistently supports his teammates, intercepts pucks effectively, and takes advantage of scoring opportunities.”

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

After tying for fourth in scoring in the Ontario Hockey League, the 19-year-old was challenged by the Flyers to increase his strength and maintain a similar level of impact this season. The player in question is Barkey, who stands at 5-9 and weighs 155 pounds.

Armstrong stated, “With a bit more maturity and development, he will gain the strength of a man. When that happens, he will reach a new level of performance. This may happen two or three years from now, but once he acquires it, I believe he will become 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 distinguished by his skating in his game, despite his 5-11, 180 stats. The next step for him is to elevate the rest of his skills to match his skating prowess.

Armstrong believes that once he matures and strengthens, and everything else aligns with his skating, mental agility and dexterity, he would be a formidable player. Once he starts understanding the game at a more advanced level and his skills catch up with him, Armstrong is confident that he would be a valuable player, estimating this to happen in about three years.

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 are impressed with the rapid development of the 20-year-old, both on and off the ice. He further mentioned that it wouldn’t be surprising if Bump starts playing in the NHL games by the end of this season.

Armstrong commented, “You see a child who exudes confidence when he possesses the puck. Observing him at development camp, you notice his exceptional ability to make plays even when other players are on his tail, and his composure with the puck in the rink center. He consistently plays within the dots and isn’t a perimeter player by any means. Furthermore, he’s a big player, standing at 6-0 and weighing 195 pounds, and he’s always on the offense. I believe there are aspects of his skating that we can improve, which will elevate his game even further. But overall, I’m extremely enthusiastic about him.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season