To be clear, from Day 1 of training camp Tortorella has left little doubt he thinks the world of Michkov. The winger’s work ethic, competitiveness and internal fire have endeared him to the Flyers’ often tough-to-please coach. Yes, there’s a nearly half-century age gap between the two, but there seems to be a real affection there.

Where does Matvei Michkov rank historically among the Flyers so far? Michkov, who is hoping to be the first Flyer to win Rookie of the Year, was named October's top rookie after posting nine points in his first 10 games.

Matvei Michkov may be turning heads in Philadelphia, but the Flyers' rookie winger caught the attention of the NHL. On Friday, the NHL named the 19-year-old the Rookie of the Month for October after he led all rookies with four goals and nine points.

Matvei Michkov, who led all rookies in goals (4), points (t-9), power-play goals (3), power-play assists (t-3) and power-play points (6), has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for October. #NHLStats: https://t.co/pNewUhNqIo pic.twitter.com/HaDW2AT789

Michkov, who made his NHL debut on Oct. 11 at VAN, also ranked among the top October rookies in assists (3rd; 5) and shots on goal (3rd; 20) while pacing rookie forwards in both total (202:43) and average (18:26) time on ice – behind only Hutson overall (250:53 TOI, 22:48 TOI/GP).

After a rocky start against the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers’ superstar rookie Matvei Michkov found himself benched by head coach John Tortorella as part of a learning experience.

Michkov was the Flyers' seventh overall pick in the 2023 Draft and has already shown he's the real deal. Out of all the rookies in the league, he leads in power-play goals with th