Charlie, question, I have heard varying takes on the Flyers first round pick in 2027 from Toronto. Is it truly “unprotected?” If not, what is your understanding on the protection for this coming draft pick? Thanks.

Really puts me in a better mood hearing all three of Coots, Sanny, and TK going above what they needed to say about Michkov. I will say I am an absolutely huge fan of Mich’s, and hope nothing but the best for him. I do hope people can think about the fact that this is again, a kid who turned 21 six months ago. That moved across the world two years ago. Completely different language, culture, even the alphabet, completely different. Oh, and did I mention his father died when he was 18? Leaving him presumably as the ‘man of the house’ in a traditional country like Russia. Imagine all that. So to be honest I don’t 100% blame the kid for taking last summer off. But he needs to learn from that and focus in this offseason and come to camp ready. Also, as others have noted, guys like Kucherov and Kaprizov took a few years to adjust to the NA game. Give the kid time. He had an overall disappointing season, and a shitty playoffs. But don’t write him off. He’s a tough kid to be where he is right now in my opinion. Let’s Go Flyers.

The question about his training is concerning. He may not trust the Flyers to develop him properly and that’s why he doesn’t stay in Voorhes. I can’t blame him after the coach tried to change the style he plays

My first year paying attention to the flyers in a decade. Thanks for the wrap-ups Charlie. I don’t know shit about hockey, but the best part of sports are always about the team. You’ve given constant insight into the players and personalities.

Someone needs to forward that video clip of the Flyers fans cheering to Connor McDavid.

Great coverage of the player exit press conferences! I watched every second of every single one and they were all so positive and forthcoming for the most part. Even Michkov had an honest, if not harsh, opinion about his play especially in the playoffs. I still wish he would at the very least have been given PP1 time especially since it clearly was not working anyway. It is hard to defend this in a time where you are out to win at all costs plus there is the least liability defensively as well. This is really my only gripe about the coaching staff from the playoffs. They did not deviate from their plan for him. I did appreciate the vets for having Matvei’s back, well done on their part. It doesn’t make sense for them to take a hard stance with him. They seemed empathetic, if anything which is nice. Tippett’s admissions were quite alarming and I am glad that he is going to be all right. Good on the team for putting his health first. Jamie and Ziggy wanting to stay in Philly is nice to hear even if it doesn’t help them in negotiations. The Flyers are a place that is inviting, quite a transition from even a few years ago.

If the Flyers are a 1-C and a 1-D away from legit Cup contender status, which is looking very possible, especially with Martone looking like a stud, and the development of the rest of the roster, then having Toronto’s unprotected 2027 first round pick could be the answer to filling one of these two key spots. Either by trading it for an existing first line center or D-1, or if it lands top five next year, by drafting one of those key players. This new development is a huge break for DB and Jonesy to land a key top talent piece. Laughton for a potentially top 10, or even top 5 pick? Huge. Acquiring a 1-D could make a world of difference to improve their abysmal PP 1 unit. This Toronto pick plus the extensive cap space they are about to pick up, really seems to all of a sudden create a path for acquiring these two key roster leader spots. It makes for what could be a fascinating off season this year through July 2027 (the 2027 draft night). Vladar as a legit 1-G was a real coup for this team.