© 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 didn’t anticipate having Michkov (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) on their roster until the 2026-27 season due to his existing contract with the Kontinental Hockey League. However, after terminating the remaining two years of that contract and signing a new three-year, entry-level contract on July 1, they are eager to integrate the 19-year-old into a top-six position this season.

Michkov led the KHL in points among players under 20, but his play without the puck has also captivated Philadelphia.

“His hands are electrifying and he has an aggressive approach to the game,” said Riley Armstrong, Flyers’ director of player development. “Over the past year, I’ve been stressing to him the importance of understanding every facet of the game when playing in the NHL, especially under the coaching of ‘Torts’ [coach John Tortorella]. Throughout the season, I showed Danny [Briere, general manager] clips of him making defensive plays like blocking shots and backchecking forcefully. My aim was to instill in him the idea that to be an influential player here, he must cover the entire 200 feet of the rink in North America and the NHL and become a well-rounded player. I have already seen him 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

Aside from the statistics, the 19-year-old (6-2, 180) has stood out due to his exceptional professionalism both on and off the ice.

Armstrong commented, “His demeanor both in the locker room and on the ice gives the impression that he’s already played professional hockey. Over the year, he consistently ensured his teammates were not left in an unfavorable position while he was getting the puck out. I am confident in his self-awareness as a player. He’s highly intelligent, excels at covering for his teammates, successfully gets the pucks out and as a result, he often receives 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 Barkey (5-9, 155) to get stronger and repeat his performance from last season, where the 19-year-old tied for fourth in scoring in the Ontario Hockey League.

Armstrong said, “With a bit more maturity and development, he will gain man strength. Once he achieves that, I believe we’ll see him perform at a different level. It could take two to three years, but once it happens, I’m convinced he’ll become a truly 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 game’s highlight is his skating abilities. The next stage for him is to elevate his other skills to match his skating level.

Armstrong stated, “I believe he has the potential to become a strong player. Once he develops further, strengthens his skills, and enhances his game-thinking to match his skating, intelligence, and hand skills, he’ll be quite impressive. 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 stated that the Flyers have been impressed by the rapid development of the 20-year-old both on and off the ice. He went on to say that it wouldn’t be surprising if Bump is playing in NHL games by the end of this season.

Armstrong observed, “He’s a kid who exudes confidence when he has the puck. The way he was handling it at the development camp, even with people on his tail, and his calmness with the puck in the rink’s center, it’s always within the dots. He never plays around the edges, he’s a solid player (6-0, 195) and he’s always on the offensive. I believe there’s room for improvement in his skating, which will elevate his game further. But overall, I’m very enthusiastic about him.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season