Flyers Bench Rookie Matvei Michkov for Game

The Philadelphia Flyers have decided to make rookie Matvei Michkov a healthy scratch for their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, marking the first time he will not participate in an NHL game. Michkov, the seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft, has impressed with 10 points in 13 games but has struggled recently, going scoreless in the last four games before registering an assist in a loss to the Hurricanes. Head coach John Tortorella emphasized that the decision is part of Michkov's development process, allowing him to observe and learn from the sidelines. Despite his promising start, Michkov's ice time has decreased, and he has faced benchings as part of Tortorella's coaching strategy. The Flyers currently sit at the bottom of the standings with a record of 4-8-1, and forward Anthony Richard will debut in Michkov's place. General manager Danny Briere has acknowledged the challenges Michkov will face as a rookie in the NHL.