Yahoo Sports Calder Trophy Showcase? Sharks V. Flyers Game Should Be Filled With Top Rookie Talent
When the San Jose Sharks visit the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, the game could feature three high-powered rookies: Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Matvei Michkov.
Smith and Michkov were both selected in the 2023 NHL Draft. Smith was chosen third overall, and Michkov went seventh after some questions were asked about when he could arrive from Russia.
Michkov and Smith should be well rested for tonight's matchup, as John Tortorella scratched the Flyers' star winger for the previous two games. Smith sat out the Sharks last game as part of his development plan.
Lineup update for #SJSvsPHI:
• Forwards Matvei Michkov and Ryan Poehling draw back into the lineup tonight.
• Erik Johnson returns to action on the blueline.
• Samuel Ersson starts in net.
• Jamie Drysdale and Morgan Frost come out of the lineup. pic.twitter.com/YJQOb4b1Ky— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) November 11, 2024
Michkov's talent was viewed as top-two draft potential, and some draft boards even had him ranked alongside 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard. The 19-year-old spent his first season after being drafted in Russia, then was released from his KHL contract and came to America two years earlier than expected.
He went on to show why he was highly regarded, winning the NHL's October Rookie of the Month award with nine points in 11 games.
"I watched him a bit. He's really skilled," Smith said about Michkov. "He has a great playmaking ability. He's really good."
Celebrini has had an excellent start to his career, with four points in four games, but he dealt with a lower-body injury, which caused him to miss 12 games. Smith has two goals and one assist in 12 games.
There is some question as to whether he will play tonight, as tonight would mark his first chance of playing on back-to-back nights.
Warsofsky says Sharks are still deciding if Celebrini will play tonight.
I asked if Celebrini will have development days like Smith, all Warsofsky would say is "They have different plans, I'll leave it at that."— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) November 11, 2024
Smith confirmed to reporters that he is returning to the Sharks lineup after sitting last night's game against the New Jersey Devils.
Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Blackwood Shuts Out Former Team; Sharks Beat Devils 1-0
Sharks Top Defenseman Out For Third Straight Game
Jake Walman Remains Game-Time Decision Against Devils; Sharks Could Play 11 Forwards 7 Defensemen
Follow Max on Twitter: @Real_Max_Miller
