5 Flyers Milestones to Monitor in 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – Philadelphia Flyers
As we await the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, it’s good to know a few potential milestones. Here, we look at five members of the Philadelphia Flyers who could accomplish big things in their upcoming campaign.
Matvei Michkov – Rookie Records
Matvei Michkov has to look at several rookie stats for the Flyers, some more difficult than others. At least in the 21st century, the Orange and Black have never had an incredibly impressive rookie campaign—it will be the 19-year-old’s time to strike. Rookie history records aren’t available, but let’s take a look.
This millennium, the Flyers’ rookie campaign scoring streak was accomplished by Matt Read in 2011-12. Scoring 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points in 79 games, that was an impressive showing for an undrafted free agent but one that was possible for someone like Michkov. He also surpassed the individual goal and assist marks in the 21st century, 24 set by Read and 29 set by Shayne Gostisbehere respectively.
Historical points are where things get tough but there is a non-zero chance Michkov can achieve greatness. It’s not unreasonable for him to score 52 points in a full season and become a top-10 scorer in franchise history, but moving into the top spot will require him to surpass Mikael Renberg’s 82-point debut season in 1993-94. Individual records are tricky, with Eric Lindros holding the goals mark (41) and Pelle Eklund holding the assist mark (51).
Assuming he’s healthy and playing in the top six, Michkov should beat or come close to some of the records on the list. 80 points may be the highest expectation for the youngster, but nothing is impossible for the Russian sympathizer.
Rasmus Ristolainen – First Playoff?
There aren’t many players in the NHL who have worked harder than defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. The 29-year-old has worked his entire career—713 games over 11 seasons—without a single playoff appearance. Playing for a Buffalo Sabers team that hasn’t won a season since 2011 started the drought, and against a Flyers team with the fourth-worst record in the league in his first season continued. The Orange and Black almost reached the postseason in 2023-24, maybe this season is his time to end the madness.
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