Matvei Michkov making late push for Calder Trophy
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline/Imagn Images
Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov is making a late case to win the 2025 Calder Memorial Trophy, honoring the National Hockey League’s best rookie. The 20-year-old Russian winger has been on a tear since February and has looked even better since the Flyers fired former bench boss John Tortorella on March 27.
In three games under Interim Head Coach Brad Shaw, Michkov has three goals and four assists, for a total of seven points. Michkov’s strong play has his team on a three-game winning streak to end the month. The 20-year-old was named the first star in two out of the three games and was named the game’s second star in the Flyers most recent win on Monday night.
March saw the Flyers freefall from playoff contention, failing to win in regulation during a 12-game stretch. Despite the team’s struggles and a coach on the hot seat, Michkov has been as advertised throughout the last 20-plus games. The Flyers' rookie sensation has led the league in even strength points (23) since February 6, just two games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
The mid-February break gave Michkov a much-needed rest as he continued to adapt to life in the NHL.
“After the break, there is more energy, more power in the body, so I feel a lot better,” said Matvei Michkov through team translator Slava Kuznetsov, two games after the Four Nations Face-Off break. “When the team is winning, it helps not just me but the team as well.”
The break certainly rejuvenated Michkov but it also helped him claw his way back into the Calder Trophy race. Despite not being the favorite for Rookie of the Year, statistically, Michkov has been one of if not the best rookies this season.
Among NHL rookies, Matvei Michkov is:
First in Goals (24)
First in even strength points (43)
First in games played (74)
First in overtime winners (3)
First in shootout goals (3)
Tied for first in power-play goals (7)
Second in points (58)
Second in assists (34)
(Statistics provided by Jordan Hall from NBC Sports Philly)
In most years, Michkov might be running away with the Calder but he is up against tough competition this season. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (59 points/73 games), San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (53 points/61 games), and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf (.909 save percentage/2.67 goals against average/45 games) are all in the running for the Calder Trophy. Hutson is currently the betting favorite around the league with Michkov placing second or third depending on which betting platform you use or which reporter you ask.
However, the Russian phenom is not focused on winning Rookie of the Year, he just wants to enjoy the remaining six games and continue producing for the team.
“Win or not win, [the] Calder is not that important right now,” Michkov said.
Even if he doesn’t win the Calder Trophy, Michkov has established himself as one of the franchise’s best rookies.
With his two points in a 2-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Monday, Michkov surpassed Andre Lacroix (56 points, 1968-69) for the ninth-most points by a Flyers rookie in a single season, per the NHL. Michkov’s third consecutive multi-point game was the 18th of his career, tying Peter Zezel (1984-85) for the sixth most by a rookie in team history, per the NHL.
Can Michkov continue his hot streak and win the Calder Trophy? Only time will tell but Rookie of the Year or not, the Russian’s future is bright on Broad Street.
