Matvei Michkov is back and better than ever.
The Philadelphia Flyers rookie was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for February. This is his second time being awarded the honor after racking up nine points in 11 October games.
Michkov led all rookies with five goals and 10 points in just seven games during the month of February — eight of which have come in the three games since the break. No other rookies really came close with Mavrik Bourque, Josh Doan, and Frank Nazar all recording six points in February.
The Flyers winger was also among the rookie leaders in assists (5), shots on goal (27), even-strength goals (4), even-strength assists (5), even-strength points (9) and plus/minus (+5) in February.
Michkov’s improved play in the past week has been reflected in the Calder Trophy odds as well.
He was as high as 30/1 (3.23% implied probability) before his third-straight multi-point game against the Penguins on Thursday night. He is now as low as 6/1 (14.29% implied) and looks like he could keep this up after the break.
The 20-year-old rookie had a fast start to the season with nine points in his first eight games and 27 points in his first 27 contests. If he can be a point-per-game player the rest of the way, the Flyers may finally have a rookie win the Calder Trophy.
It’s going to be a tough race, though, as San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini plays a complete game and is right behind Michkov with 42 points to the Russian’s 44. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson is also in contention with 44 points as is Flames goalie Dustin Wolf, although netminders have a tougher path to individual awards.
Michkov will look to continue his hot streak on Saturday night against the Winnipeg Jets before the Flyers return to Philadelphia for a seven-game homestand.
