Matvei Michkov opens as favorite for Calder Trophy over Macklin Celebrini, Cutter Gauthier

The Philadelphia Flyers have never had a rookie win the Calder Memorial Trophy, but that could change in 2025. Matvei Michkov is here and the hockey world is taking notice. The top prospect is the betting favorite to win the Calder Trophy ahead of guys like first-overall pick Macklin Celibrini, second-year rookie Logan Stankoven, and former Flyers prospect Cutter Gauthier.

The Flyers have had three rookies finish second in voting for the Calder. Most recently it was Shayne Gostisbehere in 2016 as the runner-up to 24-year-old rookie Artemi Panarin. Prior to that, Ron Hextall won the Vezina Trophy (and Conn Smythe Trophy) in his rookie season but wasn\'t good enough to win the Calder over Luc Robitaille in 1987, and Bill Barber finished second to Steve Vickers in 1973.

This could finally be the Flyers\' year.

Michkov is coming off a 41-point season (19 goals, 22 assists) in 47 games for HK Sochi while dealing with pneumonia throughout the year. This came after putting up 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 27 games for Sochi the year prior.

The Russian rookie is the odds-on favorite to win the Calder Trophy at four major sportsbooks, with DraftKings offering the best odds on the four main contenders.

as of July 5th DraftKings BetMGM ESPNBet FanDuel Matvei Michkov +450 (18.18% implied) +350 +350 +350 Macklin Celebrini +500 (16.67%) +400 +400 +400 Logan Stankoven +600 (14.29%) +400 +375 +400 Cutter Gauthier +600 (14.29%) +500 +500 +500

Michkov\'s odds opened at +600 on DraftKings but have since been bet down to +450. The Mad Russian is expected to bring a lot of skill to the Flyers lineup, and, hopefully, add some punch to a lackluster power play.

But Michkov won\'t be able to run away with the Calder Trophy as Connor Bedard did last season. Celebrini, Stankoven, and, yes, even Gauthier, offer stiff competition for the Flyers rookie.

Celibrini was the unanimous top prospect in this year\'s draft after winning the Hobey Baker Award in his freshman season. The first-overall pick put up 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 38 games for Boston University while adding eight points (four goals, four assists) for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.

The Sharks made a big splash in free agency by bringing in sharpshooter Tyler Toffoli to play on Celebrini\'s wing. Still, San Jose\'s depth leaves much to be desired. There\'s also a slight chance that Celibrini goes back to college for another year, but it seems like the San Jose native is itching to get his NHL career started.

Stankoven would be my main competition to watch for Michkov. The Dallas Stars played in 24 regular-season games last year to maintain rookie status in the 2024-25 season. He recorded 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in those 24 games and added eight points in 19 playoff games.

The 21-year-old forward has age, experience, and opportunity on his side. Stankoven should slot into the Stars\' top-six with Wyatt Johnston and Jamie Benn on the second line.

Last, and quite possibly least, is Gauthier. The winger recorded an assist in his NHL debut last season and is set to play on the Ducks\' top line this season. We all know about his shot, helping him put up 65 points (38 goals, 27 assists) in 41 games at the collegiate level last year. He also had 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in seven World Juniors games.

Gauthier may be able to reach that level of production in due time, but I\'m not sure if it\'ll be in his rookie season on a rebuilding -- and dare I say dysfunctional -- Ducks team.

Michkov\'s production may take some time as well, depending on his linemates and usage. The Flyers sure seem like they\'ll let John Tortorella treat him like another one of the team, which makes sense, but that could lead to a healthy scratch here or there, taking a seat for a period or two, and possibly bottom-six minutes with even more undesirable linemates.

However, the potential and ceiling is absolutely there for Michkov. If he finds chemistry with someone like Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, or Owen Tippett on his other wing and Sean Couturier, Morgan Frost, or a trade addition at center, look out.

For my money, I do lean towards Stankoven at +600, and it\'d only be fitting for another Flyers rookie to lose out to a more experienced player, but grab Michkov at +450 while you still can.

Talking Points