Bob Frid-Imagn Images
One of the most intriguing storylines throughout every NHL season is the race for the Calder trophy. The NHL game is physical and riddled with grizzled veterans with much more experience in every aspect compared to rookies who are often 18 and 19 years old and have no experience in the pros but still manage to succeed straight out of the gate.
This year is no different, as 2023 seventh-overall pick Matvei Michkov has nine points in his first 11 games. Michkov trails Dallas Stars rookie Logan Stankoven for the most points among rookies by one point.
Michkov’s point total through the first 11 games is more than Connor Bedard’s seven points in the same span with the Chicago Blackhawks last year. The question is, who will have had a better rookie campaign when Michkov’s season is over? Let’s take a look.
When comparing their first nine games of their careers, Bedard had 14 more shots on goal (34) than Michkov (20). Bedard also had slightly more ice time than Michkov.
Bedard averaged 19:47 of ice time per game last season. Michkov’s averaged 18:26, but that’s still impressive considering his bench boss is John Tortorella, a veteran coach who preaches a hard-nosed style of hockey to his players. That can be difficult for a rookie to become accustomed to.
After the Flyers’ third game of the season, a 4-3 loss in Edmonton, Michkov drew praise from Tortorella after recording the first two goals of his NHL career that night.
“He’s a dynamic player, not just his passing, but how he can hold onto a puck and get out of traffic,” Tortorella told reporters.
Tortorella trusts Michkov as he’s sixth on the Flyers roster in ice time and second among forwards, only behind Travis Konecny on offense. He’s also played the most power-play time on the squad, and his six power-play points lead the team as well.
Bedard and Michkov’s opportunities to succeed never fell short, as both were and are key players for their teams’ power play.
When Michkov’s rookie season is over, the biggest difference between him and Bedard will most likely be the number of games each played.
Last season, Bedard took home the Calder Trophy with 61 points in only 68 games played, while the five rookies behind him in points played 80 or a full 82 games.
Related: The Wraparound: Will Matvei Michkov Have A Better Rookie Season Than Connor Bedard?
It’s too bad the Blackhawks are in the Central Division and the Flyers in the Metropolitan Division. We could have a rejuvenated rivalry of Crosby and Ovechkin with Bedard and Michkov. Crosby and Ovechkin are two highly touted superstars from rival countries, are only one year apart in age and clashed in the playoffs year in and year out while also being compared to each other.
Neither Bedard nor Michkov look like they’ll be in the same division anytime soon, but the comparisons have already begun.
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