The Philadelphia Flyers’ 2026-27 season kicks off Wednesday night, and man, all eyes are locked on Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone. Michkov is staring down a massive bounce-back after what was admittedly a down sophomore year, while Martone’s ready to pick right up where he left off after joining the Flyers late last season. This isn’t just another season kickoff; it’s the start of something big for these young guys, and the buzz is palpable.
Michkov’s Revenge Tour Is Officially On
This is Michkov’s third full season with the Flyers, and you know he’s got something to prove. He came over to the NHL a few years earlier than expected, and yeah, he’s had his ups and downs through 161 career games. Remember his rookie year? Absolute fire! He lit the lamp 26 times and racked up 63 points, finishing fourth in Calder Trophy voting. But then, as we all saw, his sophomore season was a step back, hitting the 20-goal mark and ending with 51 points in 81 games, even with a late-season push. A lot of people around the Flyers are expecting big things from him this season, and guess what? So are the oddsmakers.
DraftKings Sportsbook has Michkov squarely in their sights. They’re giving him -120 odds to score 25+ goals, which implies a whopping 54.55% probability. And if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, 30+ goals sits at +300, a solid 25% chance. For the true believers, 35+ goals at +1500 and 40+ goals at +3000 are out there, but those are definite longshots at 6.25% and 3.23% respectively. He’s averaged 23 goals per 82 games in his NHL career, and honestly, the kid already looks like the best Flyers player in training camp and his two preseason games. For my money, I’m absolutely taking Michkov to hit 25 goals, and probably 30 too. The revenge tour? Oh, it’s absolutely on.
Points, Playmaking, and Martone’s Calder Bid
Goals are great, but Michkov’s playmaking is electric, and he’s bound to rack up assists. That’s why betting on his point total might even be the smarter play. DraftKings has him at -147 to record 60+ points this year, an implied probability of 57.81%. He hit 63 points in his rookie season, so getting back to that 60-point mark is totally doable. But listen, I’d start my points ladder at the 65-point mark (+130) and I’d be willing to take that all the way up to at least 75 (+475) or even 80 points (+800).
He might be starting the season on what they call the “third” line, but coach Tocchet made it clear his team’s lines don’t really have labels. Michkov is getting the ice time he earns, and after how he showed up to camp in terrific shape and performed in September, he’s earned plenty.
And let’s not forget Porter Martone. This kid was the betting favorite to win the Calder Trophy for most of the offseason, and he’s coming in hot, looking to capture what could be the Flyers’ first Calder Trophy.
So, Wednesday night, the puck drops. Michkov’s looking for that huge bounce-back, Martone’s ready to explode. You know I’ll be glued to every shift, every shot. This isn’t just another season kickoff; it’s the start of something big for these young guys.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Broad Street Hockey.
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