Matvei Michkov did all he could to become the first player
in the Philadelphia Flyers’ history to win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the
NHL’s rookie of the year.
The 20-year-old right winger had more goals (26) than any rookie in the NHL,
and he also topped the Flyers in that category.
In addition, he led rookies in
even-strength points, and he played with Bobby Clarke-like passion and drive.
Yet, he was not one of the three Calder finalists in voting by the Professional
Hockey Writers Association.
Instead, the writers made Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson
(rookie-leading 66 points), San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (63
points) and Calgary goalie Dustin Wolf (2.64 goals-against average, .910 save percentage) the
top three rookies.
Wolf, 24, played 17 games the previous season but was
still considered a rookie this year based on NHL qualifications.
Michkov, who started this season at 19, came in cold. He spent 48 games in
the KHL in 2023-24.
The Hockey News contacted three members of the Flyers’ front office. None
returned calls or texts about Michkov being overlooked.
Back In The Day
Bill Barber knows all about being snubbed in the rookie of
the year voting.
In 1972-73, the left winger finished second to the New York
Rangers’ Steve Vickers. Barber lost despite having better stats than Vickers.
All these years later, Barber said it “never felt
disappointing” because he was focused on team goals. But he added a kicker.
“If anything, it gave me more incentive to do better,” he
said.
Like Barber, Michkov has downplayed the Calder Trophy.
Earlier this year, he said he was aware of the Calder race, but his
concentration was on winning games.
Overcame Obstacles
The Calder finalists have strong qualities, but it’s
difficult to understand how all three were placed ahead of
Michkov.
Fact is, Michkov, a Russian, had more obstacles to overcome than the other
three — he had to adjust to the bigger NHL rinks while learning a new language.
And he played for an ultra-demanding coach (John Tortorella) for most of the
season. Tortorella limited Michkov’s ice time and even benched him for two
games.
When Tortorella was fired and Brad Shaw was named the interim coach late
in the season, he took off the leash. Michkov got lots more playing time (19:36
per game compared to 16:41 under Tortorella). In nine games under Shaw, Michkov
had 12 points (six goals, six assists).
Michkov, who was tied for second among rookies with 63
points, answered most of the questions about his ability this season, though
his defense was sometimes a challenge. He finished at minus-18. Celebrini
finished at minus-31.
From here, Michkov deserved to be a finalist. He and Hutson were the two best
rookies. It would not have been a disgrace to finish second to Hutson, who tied
an NHL record for a rookie defenseman with 60 assists. Hutson helped Montreal
reach the playoffs, and he deserves the Calder.
Meanwhile, Michkov can take solace in the fact that legends like Barber and
Eric Lindros had great rookie seasons for Philadelphia but didn’t win the
Calder, either.
Those players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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