The main discussion surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers this season revolves around whether their standout sophomore forward, Matvei Mishkov, can thrive with the guidance of new head coach Rick Tocchet. Like many young draft picks, Mishkov spent his rookie year learning the game, which explains why the 20-year-old Russian averaged about 16 minutes and 41 seconds per game during the 2024-25 season.
However, this season under Tocchet, Mishkov’s ice time has dropped by nearly two minutes to around 14 minutes and 53 seconds, causing a decline in his offensive output. Currently, Mishkov has scored five goals, made five assists, and totaled 10 points in 21 games, putting him on pace for roughly a 20-goal, 40-point season.
Despite this 33% reduction in production, some supporters of Tocchet argue that Mishkov isn’t being given enough opportunities. For instance, former NHL player Colby Cohen mentioned on Daily Faceoff that because Mishkov isn’t used on the penalty kill, “he’s never going to put in 20 minutes of work a night.” However, this claim is questionable since Mishkov had already played 20 or more minutes in five out of nine games after the firing of former manager John Tortorella during the same season. In that stretch, Mishkov tallied six goals and six assists in nine games.
Currently, Mishkov has 10 points in 21 games, which prompts the question of how this drop happened. The answer seems simple: Mishkov needs to be given more playing time, and the Flyers must find a line combination that fits him as carefully as they do for players like Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster, the latter largely used in a checking role despite his offensive talents.
Comparing Mishkov’s ice time to other young NHL stars reveals the issue clearly: Nikita Kucherov averaged over 18 minutes per game in his second full NHL season, Jack Hughes averaged 19:04, Trevor Zegras 18:50, and Lucas Raymond 17:23. Although Raymond’s ice time dipped slightly in his second year, it was still more than Mishkov’s highest time in the NHL. This comparison suggests that hands-on experience on the ice is often more beneficial than simply observing.
Limiting Mishkov to a defensive forechecking role in a power play situation stifles his offensive creativity and doesn’t serve the Flyers well. Given that Mishkov is a key franchise player, it would be shortsighted to ignore the concerns of fans hoping to see him reach his potential.
Fan Take: This situation is critical for hockey fans because it highlights how young talent needs nurturing and proper opportunity to flourish at the highest level. How the Flyers manage Mishkov’s development could set a precedent for balancing player growth with team strategies across the NHL.
