The Philadelphia Flyers signed top forward prospect Matvei Michkov to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere said he expects Michkov to play in the NHL in the upcoming season.
"He's going to be given every chance to make the team, but at the same time, he's going to have to earn his ice time," he said, according to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "Just on the power play alone, we hope that he can help us there. As far as the rest of his game, he's going to be in control of that and how much he's committed to playing 200 feet for (head coach John Tortorella).
"To be honest, we don't have really anyone like him in the organization, as far as a player, as far as his skill level. He's got a lot to learn and he's not going to be put above anybody else."
Philadelphia ranked 27th in the league in goals per game (2.82) in 2023-24, and its power play's 12.2% success rate represented the NHL's worst.
The Flyers selected the Russian with the seventh overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft. Though he was projected to go higher, he had three more seasons remaining on his contract with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg at the time, meaning he wouldn't be able to hit the NHL until the 2026-27 campaign at the earliest.
However, SKA released Michkov from his contract in late June, freeing him up to sign with the Flyers.
"Being in the NHL has been a dream for me since childhood," Michkov said in a statement. "I would like to say a huge thank you to the Flyers management for their trust. I will do everything possible to meet their expectations. I can't wait to join my teammates and start preparing for the new season together, and I would especially like to greet our fans.
"We have the same dream to win the Stanley Cup, and I promise that (I) will do my best to help this team and make that possible."
The 19-year-old potted 19 goals and 41 points in 47 outings this past season after being loaned to HC Sochi in September. He dazzled the last time he played on North American ice at the 2021 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, leading the tournament with 12 goals and 16 points in seven games while helping Russia win the silver medal. Michkov was named MVP of the event.
The Flyers missed the postseason for the fourth straight year after finishing four points outside the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. They were in a fight for a playoff spot for the bulk of the campaign but were largely done in by an abysmal eight-game losing streak near the end of the season.
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The Dallas Stars signed free-agent defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to a three-year contract carrying an average annual value of $3.25 million on Monday.
"Ilya brings experience and toughness to our group," Stars general manager Jim Nill said. "He's a big, physical right-shot defenseman who excels on the penalty kill. We're excited to have him under contract for the next three seasons."
Lyubushkin registered eight assists in 74 games while averaging 17 minutes of ice time this past season. The 30-year-old split his time between the Ducks and the Maple Leafs after Toronto acquired him from Anaheim prior to the trade deadline.
It was his second stint with the Leafs. He spent part of the 2021-22 season there after being traded from the Arizona Coyotes.
Lyubushkin has racked up five goals, 47 points, 550 blocks, and 866 hits in 353 career NHL games.
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In a bid to add more depth and versatility to the roster, the Vancouver Canucks have announced two depth signings. General Manager Patrik Allvin has confirmed that the team has agreed to terms with forward Nate Smith on a one-year $775,000, two-way contract and goaltender Jiří Patera on a two-year $775,000 per year, two-way contract. These additions provide the Canucks with more options and solidify their depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Nate Smith, a center who stands at 6’1″ and weighs 198 lbs, brings a distinctive skill set to the Canucks. Known for his exceptional puck-handling abilities and his knack for making plays in tight spaces, with the hope that Smith is can add a challenge for a bottom 6 role. His ability to navigate through opponents and make plays “through guy’s feet” is a rare talent that sets him apart.
Smith’s signing is seen as a strategic move to enhance the Canucks’ depth at the center position. His versatility and unique skills could make him a valuable asset, particularly in situations where creativity and quick decision-making are required.
The Canucks have also strengthened their goaltending depth by signing Jiří Patera to a two-year, two-way contract. At 6’2″ and 209 lbs, Patera brings a solid presence between the pipes. His career trajectory has shown promise, with notable performances in the WHL and the AHL. Patera, who catches left, has accumulated 85 games in the AHL with a record of 37-40-6, demonstrating resilience and consistency.
At just 25 years old, Patera is considered a solid bet for the Canucks’ goaltending future. His experience and potential make him a valuable addition to the team’s goaltending roster, providing reliable backup and competition for the starting spots.
These signings reflect Patrik Allvin’s commitment to building a well-rounded and competitive team. By adding Nate Smith and Jiří Patera, the Canucks are not only increasing their depth but also ensuring that they have versatile players who can step up when needed.
Nate Smith’s ability to handle pucks and create plays in challenging situations will likely provide the Canucks with more offensive options. His creativity and playmaking skills could complement the team’s existing forwards, offering a new dynamic to the Canucks’ attack. Fans can look forward to seeing how Smith’s unique talents translate on the ice and how he fits into the team’s system.
Jiří Patera’s addition to the goaltending mix is a strategic move to ensure that the Canucks have depth and reliability in the net. With the demands of an NHL season, having a dependable backup goaltender is crucial. Patera’s experience in the AHL and his proven track record make him a promising candidate to support the team’s primary goaltenders. His presence could also push the existing goalies to elevate their game, fostering healthy competition within the roster.
As the Canucks prepare for the upcoming season, these depth signings highlight the team’s proactive approach to building a competitive roster. Both Smith and Patera bring unique attributes that can enhance the team’s performance and provide options for the coaching staff.
What do you think, Canucks fans? How do you feel about the signings of Nate Smith and Jiří Patera? Do you think their additions will make a significant impact on the team’s performance? Share your thoughts and let us know how you see these players fitting into the Canucks’ lineup.
Go Canucks Go!