Philadelphia Flyers Eye 2027 NHL Draft Host Bid, Michkov Training Update

The Philadelphia Flyers are making a bid to host the 2027 NHL Draft, a move that would bring the league's top prospects to the City of Brotherly Love. As the team looks to the future, they're also focused on the present, with forward Matvei Michkov set to return to the Philadelphia area in early August after training in his home country of Russia.

What's behind the Flyers' front office changes?

Mark Recchi, a 2017 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and former Flyers forward, has taken on a more active role in the team's hockey operations and coaching departments. Recchi, who remains ninth in points in Flyers franchise history with 627, has been a frequent presence around the players and coaching staff, earning him the label of "rover" from one team source.

How will Recchi's role evolve?

Recchi's inclusion is representative of how Flyers general manager Daniel Briere brings some staffers into the fold. When the club initially hired Patrick Sharp and John LeClair three years ago, their specific duties were fairly ambiguous, as Briere preferred they get involved in different aspects of the organization to figure out what drives them. Sharp has since clicked with Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong and taken an active role in that area.

What's next for the Flyers' front office?

Flyers assistant GM Alyn McCauley, also the GM of the Phantoms, will be physically moving from Lehigh Valley for personal reasons. He will retain his title and role, but Flyers director of pro scouting Mike Eastwood will be relocating from Toronto to the Philadelphia area for a more on-the-ground presence with the AHL club while also scouting pro teams in the area. Expect the Flyers to announce a formal promotion for Eastwood at some point before next season.

Michkov's training plan

Michkov, who led the Flyers in points coming out of the Olympic break, is expected to return to the Philadelphia area in early August. The 21-year-old Russian is currently training in his home country, gearing up for what promises to be a big season.

The Flyers are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference with a 43-27 record, on a W3 streak. As they look to build on their success, they'll be keeping a close eye on Michkov's progress and the developments in their front office.