The Philadelphia Flyers came out of the gates this season with a spark that caught the league off guard. For a while, they were one of the better stories in the NHL - a team exceeding expectations and grinding out wins with a mix of young talent and gritty play.
But lately, that early-season momentum has hit a wall. Heading into Friday, Jan. 30, the Flyers have stumbled to a 2-7-1 record over their last 10 games, and now sit tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 24-20-9 record.
With 57 points, they find themselves eight behind the New York Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
There’s still time - over 20 games remain on the schedule - but if the Flyers want to stay in the playoff conversation, something’s got to change. Whether that’s a shake-up in the locker room, a tactical adjustment, or a move at the trade deadline, the clock is ticking.
One name that’s surfaced - even if only in speculation - is Artemi Panarin. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned the Flyers on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast while discussing the New York Rangers winger, though he was quick to point out that a deal involving Panarin is unlikely. Still, it’s notable that Philadelphia’s name came up at all, especially in the context of their reported interest in Kirill Kaprizov before he re-signed.
“I put Philly in here too because I’ll say this,” Friedman said. “If Kaprizov had gotten to the open market, I think Philly was going to make a bid for him.
And I could see Philly doing this too... To me, I wonder, can Philly make this deal?
And if not, are they hoping that somehow Panarin gets to the open market?”
The idea of Panarin in orange and black is tantalizing. He’s a dynamic playmaker, a proven scorer, and someone who could inject immediate life into a Flyers offense that’s been inconsistent at best. But beyond the short-term playoff push, there’s another layer to this conversation - and it centers around Matvei Michkov.
Michkov, coming off a 63-point rookie campaign that had Flyers fans buzzing, hasn’t quite found his rhythm this season. Through 52 games, he’s managed just 13 goals and 15 assists - a noticeable step back from what many hoped would be a sophomore surge. And for a franchise banking on Michkov as a cornerstone of the rebuild, that’s a concern.
Friedman emphasized that Michkov’s development should be the organization’s top priority down the stretch.
“The one thing I think they have to do over the Olympic break is talk about the last six weeks of the season - how are we getting Michkov going?” Friedman said.
“How are we making sure that he finishes the season feeling good about himself? Because right now, that’s not happening.
And I think that’s your biggest priority. Outside of a miracle run to get to the postseason, I think that’s your biggest priority - Michkov finishing strong.”
And that’s where the Panarin angle gets even more interesting. Imagine pairing a veteran offensive force like Panarin with Michkov.
It’s not hard to envision the two Russian forwards feeding off each other’s skillsets - Panarin drawing defenders and creating space, Michkov rediscovering his scoring touch with a little less pressure on his shoulders. It’s the kind of combination that could ignite Michkov’s game and give the Flyers a dangerous new look.
Of course, all of this hinges on a lot of “ifs.” Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has topped 89 points in four of six seasons, and even in a down year for New York, he’s still managed 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists). That kind of production doesn’t come cheap - and it sounds like Panarin knows his value.
According to Friedman, Panarin is seeking a $50 million contract extension if he’s traded, and only a select few teams are in a position to offer that kind of deal. The Flyers, as of now, aren’t among them. Even with a no-move clause in play, Panarin reportedly wants to sign long-term with any team that acquires him, which further complicates any potential trade.
So while the idea of Panarin in Philly is fun to dream about, it’s probably just that - a dream. Still, the underlying issue remains: Michkov needs help. Whether it’s a trade, a new linemate, or a shift in strategy, the Flyers need to find a way to get their young star going again.
Because if this team is going to make any noise in the future - this season or beyond - it starts with Michkov. And right now, he could use a spark.