BREAKING NEWS : Philadelphia Flyers Ice Hockey Forward Matvei Michkov Fare in Calder Trophy Voting against……

In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov did not secure a spot as a finalist for the 2025 Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top rookie. Despite a standout season that saw him lead all rookies in goals and even-strength points, Michkov was notably absent from the list of finalists announced by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

A Stellar Rookie Season

Michkov’s inaugural NHL season was nothing short of impressive. The 20-year-old Russian phenom played in 80 of 82 games, recording 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points, tying him for second among rookies in total points. He also led all first-year players in power-play goals (7), overtime goals (3), and multi-point games (14). Notably, Michkov was the only rookie to register both three or more overtime goals and three or more shootout goals, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

The Finalists

The finalists for the 2025 Calder Trophy are:

Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens): A defenseman who led all rookies with 66 points, including 60 assists, tying Larry Murphy’s single-season record for most assists by a rookie defenseman.

Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks): The 18-year-old center tied for second among rookies with 63 points, including 25 goals, in 70 games.

Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames): A goaltender who posted a 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 GAA, .910 save percentage, and three shutouts.

A Controversial Omission

The omission of Michkov from the list of finalists has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Many believe his performance warranted consideration. NBC Sports Philadelphia highlighted that Michkov led all rookies in goals and even-strength points, and was the only player to achieve both three or more overtime goals and shootout goals. Despite these accolades, he was not named a finalist.

Looking Ahead

While Michkov’s exclusion from the Calder Trophy finalists is a setback, it does not diminish his potential. His remarkable rookie season has solidified his status as a rising star in the NHL. The Flyers and their fans have much to look forward to as Michkov continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success in the coming seasons.