© 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 thought Michkov (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) wouldn’t be available until the 2026-27 season due to his Kontinental Hockey League contract. However, following the termination of the last two seasons of that agreement and his signing of a three-year, entry-level contract on July 1, they are pleased to receive the 19-year-old in a top-six role this season.

Michkov led the KHL in points among players under 20, however, his play off the puck has also caught the attention of Philadelphia.

“His hands are electric and he’s always on the offensive,” said Riley Armstrong, Flyers’ director of player development. “Over the past year, I’ve been stressing to him the importance of understanding all aspects of the game when playing in the NHL, especially under Coach John Tortorella. To illustrate my point, I’ve shown him clips of his own play, blocking shots and backchecking hard throughout the season,” he continued, referring to GM Danny Briere. “I’ve been trying to instill in him that to be a true impact player here, he needs to cover the full 200 feet of the ice, both in North America and in the NHL, to become a well-rounded player. I’ve already seen him starting to embrace this playing style.”

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

Apart from the statistics, the 19-year-old (6-2, 180) has notably demonstrated professionalism both on the ice and off it.

Armstrong remarked, “With his confident demeanor both in the locker room and on ice, it seems as if he’s already had experience playing professional hockey. Throughout the year, he’s never put a teammate in jeopardy while breaking out a puck. I’m confident that he understands his role as a player. He’s very intelligent, effectively covers for his teammates, and skillfully breaks out pucks. And for that, he’s often 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

Following the 19-year-old’s tie for fourth in scoring in the Ontario Hockey League, the Flyers have encouraged Barkey (5-9, 155) to improve his strength and maintain the same level of impact for the coming season.

Armstrong said, “As he matures and develops a little further, he will gain manly strength. Once that happens, I believe we will witness a different level of his skills. It might take two or three years, but once he achieves that strength, I predict he will emerge as 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 and stands 5’11” tall and weighs 180 pounds, prides himself on his skating–it’s the pinnacle of his game. The subsequent progression is for him to elevate the rest of his skills to match his skating prowess.

Armstrong said, “Once he develops further, gains more strength, and his overall skills match his skating ability, his intellect, and his hand skills, I believe he will become an impressive player. This is my projection for three years from now, assuming his game understanding elevates and his hands improve to match his speed.”

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 indicated that the Flyers are amazed at the rapid development of the 20-year-old, both on and off the ice. He further added that it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bump playing NHL games before the current season concludes.

Armstrong spoke of the child’s apparent confidence whenever he had the puck, stating, “He just radiates confidence on the ice.” Armstrong further noted the child’s impressive performance at the development camp, saying, “Even with opponents on his tail, he maintained an impressive calmness with the puck, particularly in the rink’s center. He consistently stays inside the dots and is far from being just a peripheral player. He’s also physically imposing at 6-0, 195… and he never stops coming at you.” Armstrong also acknowledged areas where the child could improve, stating, “There are certain aspects of his skating that we can refine, which will take his game to an entirely new level. However, I’m genuinely thrilled about his potential.”

Projected NHL arrival: Next season