Flyers Rookie Sensation Matvei Michkov Runaway Favourite to Take Home Calder Trophy

The Flyers and the rest of the hockey world has been very impressed by Matvei Michkov this season as the 19-year-old is second on the team in goals (8), assists (9) and points (17) through 20 games played this season. Philadelphia currently sits at a record of 9-10-3 and could look to Michkov as their biggest storyline of the season.

The Russian winger sits at -170 to take home the Calder Memorial trophy as he leads all rookies in goals and points but does have some competition behind him. Dallas' Logan Stankoven is just two points behind Michkov with 15 on the season and has more assists with 11, tied with Montreal's Lane Hutson for the most by a rookie this season.

The player with the second-highest odds behind Michkov is 2024 first overall pick for the Sharks, Macklin Celebrini. The 18-year-old BC native has remained competive with Michkov's averages as Celebrini is seven points behind but was injured for eight games. He is still averaging 0.83 points per game, which is extremely close with Michkov and his 0.85 average.

Michkov will need to continue widening the gap between himself and the pack which leaves no margin for error if he wants to remain the front-runner. Sportsbooks may believe in Michkov so greatly because of his opportunity with the Flyers as they aren't a competitive team, meaning he can play of Philadelphia's second line and average 17 and a half minutes per game.

However, Celebrini has him beat in this department as well with almost 20 minutes of ice-time per game and could start converting into more points after getting hot lately with two goals and three assists for five points in his last three games. It certainly isn't a runaway race as some may believe but it should make for an exciting battle for one of the most prestigious awards in the sport.