Recognized as a supremely talented prospect for years, Matvei Michkov had a lot to prove upon coming over to the NHL. He broke a flurry of records in Russian junior hockey, went toe-to-toe with first-overall pick Connor Bedard in international tournaments, and produced at a high rate in the KHL.

Galvanized by the excitement of Flyers fans, he put on a show in his first games, dominating his age peers in the rookie tournament, scoring seven points in four games during training camp, and then nine in his first eight regular season games. He fired pucks off the post and in, attempted his trademark lacrosse moves, and orchestrated beautiful passing plays.

It’s only recently that he has encountered some roadblocks on his path to NHL stardom — including a notable health scratch this week. We conti