The Philadelphia Flyers began their 2024 Rookie Camp at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ. All players hit the ice at 11am for an hour and a half.
In total, 27 players occupied the ice at the Flyers Training Center. Of the 27 players, 15 were forwards, 10 were defensemen, and two were goaltenders. Matvei Michkov headlined the offense, Oliver Bonk headlined the defense, and Carson Bjarnason was the only formerly drafted Flyers goaltender on the rookie camp roster.
Today, Philadelphia had on-ice practice before their back-to-back rookie series against the New York Rangers beginning at 7:05pm on Friday.
A line of fans were out of the door of the Flyers Training Center before 10:30am. Everyone hoped to see Michkov in action in any capacity. Not long ago, Michkov did a meet-and-greet with Dynasty Sports as advertised by Flyers Nation. Heavily anticipated since the announcement of his 3yr/$2.85mil NHL entry-level contract, he is the top draw of the 2024 Flyers Rookie Camp.
Before the 11am session, other non-rookie skaters were on the ice. Even though this is the start of the 2024 Flyers Rookie Camp, the Flyers are not wasting time. Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim were a couple of veterans getting a workout in with Patrick Sharp. Others on the ice for an early workout included Morgan Frost, Jamie Drysdale, and Bobby Brink. Then, it was time for the first official practice of the 2024 Flyers Rookie Camp.
Practice Session
Almost immediately, Michkov skated in drills with Jett Luchanko. Luchanko and Michkov passed the puck on a simulated rush. It did not take long for Luchanko to center a puck he recovered off the boards from a bank pass back to Michkov. These are only drills, but the high anticipation to see Michkov and Luchanko on the ice and working together exhibits a level of chemistry between the two playmakers. Michkov scored early in rookie camp to the delight of those at the Flyers Training Center.
“It was my first time being out there with him, and obviously he’s an unbelievable player, and it’s really cool to share the ice with him. I’m excited to hopefully do that as much as I can moving forward and I’m excited to play with him tomorrow as well.” – Jett Luchanko; 9/12/2024
As expected, Michkov will officially debut with Philadelphia in the first of two rookie games versus the Rangers tomorrow at 7:05pm.
Something that did not go unnoticed was the absence of Denver Barkey. He was the only forward at camp to eclipse 100 points (35G, 67A) in his respective league, the OHL, with the London Knights. Per Charlie O’Connor, Barkey was questionable to skate because he contracted mono in the summer.
Near the end of the practice session, Luchanko fulfilled more shooting practice with Sharp. Sharp fed him pucks, and Luchanko worked on his one-timer release.
Another prospect not on the ice was Carter Sotheran. He is dealing with a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome flare-up. Sotheran is a physical defenseman, a trait the Flyers love to see from their young defensemen. Ian Laperrière was sure to cite that when speaking of others after practice, highlighting Hunter McDonald.
“That was my message to them. I want intensity. I don’t want any fighting, but you’re talking about McDonald. I know we all saw that. Guess what? So did boss, too. Danny [Brière] saw that, Torts [Tortorella] saw that, and that’s part of his game I enjoy. I enjoyed him last year when he came to us [Lehigh Valley Phantoms] in the playoffs, and down the stretch there. He brings that intensity, he’s in your face, he’s physical, he put weight on this summer, he looks great, and that’s his role. That’s why he was intense today. I didn’t talk to Torts yet, but I’m sure he really enjoyed that.” – Ian Laperrière; 4/12/2024
Emil Andrae
Emil Andrae focused in the offseason on getting faster and his explosiveness off the first push. In camp, the focus is to help that translate on the ice in game situations. He appeared in four NHL games last season, but his best performance was his final in a close road loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, 3-2. Andrae blocked four shots in 11:59 of on-ice time.
“I always trained with my team back home before in Jönköping, in HV, but now I had to get my own trainer, and I had a good contact there, and then we were a couple of guys that trained with him. So, I explained to him what I want to do, and what I want to do during the summer. I feel like I did a lot of good things during the summer, and I feel it on the ice.” – Emil Andrae; 9/12/2024
Andrae has the same mentality he had when he arrived at the 2023 Flyers Rookie Camp, which was a push to appear in the NHL. After a short stint, he is pushing for Philadelphia again.
“I feel like I know a lot more than what I did when I came here last year. I have more experience, and I did a lot of good things last year, and hopefully I can build on it.” – Emil Andrae; 9/12/2024
‘Consistency is key,’ is cliché, but true. Andrae said it is a focal point that he wants to build upon. His main goal is not to be the best in each game but to remain solid throughout the season. It was a mindset he found in the AHL last season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and took with him into the chase for the Calder Cup. In camp, he, along with a couple of handfuls of other defensemen, will be able to get a head start in testing their mettle against Michkov.
Matvei Michkov
Michkov is a competitor. If it was not obvious on the night Daniel Brière drafted him, then it is after today. His teammates on the first day of camp raved about it, including Andrae.
He flew around the ice, impressing Laperrière:
“I’m excited to see him [Michkov]. I know you guys are. Everybody behind those doors are pumped, and what I saw today, there’s a reason to be excited. A lot of skills. A lot of intensity. He doesn’t speak much English, but you can tell he wants to be a difference-maker, and I know it’s one practice, but I’m impressed.” – Ian Laperrière; 9/12/2024
Tomorrow, Michkov makes his debut versus New York. It will be the first time he dons a Flyers sweater in a game setting.
