© 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 not anticipated the availability of Michkov (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) until the 2026-27 season due to his existing contract with the Kontinental Hockey League. However, following the termination of the final two seasons of this contract and his signing of a three-year, entry-level agreement on July 1, they are delighted to bring the 19-year-old on board in a top-six role this season.

Michkov topped the KHL’s point chart for players under 20, but his gameplay off the puck has also won admiration from Philadelphia.

“His hands have the power of electricity and he has an aggressive approach,” said Riley Armstrong, the Flyers’ director of player development. “I’ve been emphasizing to him over the past year that when you’re in the NHL and working under ‘Torts’ [coach John Tortorella], you need to have a comprehensive understanding of the entire game, not just offense. I’ve shown Danny [Briere, general manager] clips of him blocking shots and backchecking with intensity throughout the season. I’ve been trying to instill in him the importance of these minor aspects, saying, ‘If you aspire to be an impact player here, you need to commit to playing the entire 200-foot length of the field, both in North America and the NHL, to become a truly versatile player.’ I’ve already noticed him embracing this advice during his time there, playing in the manner I’ve suggested.”

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 notably demonstrated professionalism both on and off the ice.

“Judging by how he conducts himself both in the locker room and on the ice, one would assume he’s already played professional hockey,” Armstrong stated. “Throughout the year, he never jeopardized his teammates while breaking a puck out. I’m convinced he understands his role as a player. He’s incredibly intelligent, backs up his teammates effectively, breaks pucks out well, and as a result, he is rewarded with offensive 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

The Flyers have challenged 19-year-old Barkey (5-9, 155), who finished tied for fourth in scoring in the Ontario Hockey League, to get stronger and maintain a similar level of impact this season.

Armstrong remarked, “With a bit more maturity and development, he will gain that man strength. Once he achieves that, I believe we will see him perform at a different level. It might take two or three years, but once he reaches that point, I predict he will be 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, stands at 5-11 and weighs 180 pounds. His skating is the pinnacle of his game. The subsequent stage for him is to elevate his other skills to match his skating prowess.

Armstrong said, “I believe he has the potential to be a great player once he further develops and strengthens his skills. As his skating, intelligence, and hand coordination improve and he begins to understand the game at a more advanced level, his overall performance will match his potential. I foresee this happening 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 mentioned that the Flyers are amazed at the rapid development of the 20-year-old both on and off the ice. He added that it wouldn’t be surprising if Bump starts playing in NHL games before this season ends.

Armstrong spoke highly of a young player, noting his exceptional confidence when handling the puck. He observed that during development camp, the player displayed impressive poise and skill, even under pressure from opponents. The player’s strategy of sticking to the middle of the rink instead of the perimeter, combined with his size (6-0, 195), made him a formidable presence. Armstrong admitted that they could improve the player’s skating, which would further enhance his game. However, overall, he expressed great excitement about the player’s potential.

Projected NHL arrival: Next season