VOORHEES, N.J.‍ — A lengthy queue formed once ⁤more outside the Flyers Training​ Center as the team’s prospects gathered for practice on Sunday morning.

Fans⁤ started arriving at 10:30 a.m., and ⁣by 10:45 a.m., ‍the bleachers were nearly full, well ahead of the 11 ‍a.m. ‍practice commencement.

The ⁤excitement surrounding Matvei Michkov began on Thursday and excitedly continued on Friday at PPL Center during the 19-year-old’s initial game action.

After ⁤the Flyers’ prospects ‍split their weekend series against the Rangers, let’s delve ⁢into three additional takeaways from Sunday’s rookie training camp practice.

‘There’s another level’

It must have been gratifying⁤ for ​the Flyers’ ​front office to witness Michkov ⁤playing a rookie⁣ game‌ in front of the fans, ahead ⁤of ⁢schedule by two years, on Friday night.

The highly-regarded prospect showcased his talents, ‌scoring ⁤a goal and ⁣creating numerous opportunities during significant minutes.

However, the most thrilling aspect for the Flyers is their​ belief that this is⁤ merely a glimpse ‌of his capabilities.

“He’s a dynamic player,” noted Flyers assistant general manager Brent⁢ Flahr on Sunday. “From the ​blue line inward, he’s ⁣determined to score, fiercely competitive, and ‍possesses the hockey intellect, skill, and ambition to generate offense. He ⁣aims to score each shift, ‍and when he doesn’t, he channels that energy into ⁤his game.”

“Witnessing his level of competition, he was clearly enjoying‍ himself. There’s undoubtedly another level to his game, but​ getting ‍acclimated to ‍the North American style during camp before joining the big club will ⁤be beneficial for him.”

During practice on Sunday, Michkov assisted⁣ Elliot Desnoyers in scoring​ during ‍a 3-on-2 drill. Appearing poised to shoot, Michkov cleverly passed to Desnoyers, who finished off with ease.

Keep an ⁣eye on Avon

J.R. ⁤Avon was unable to participate‍ in last year’s rookie camp due to a PCL sprain ‍in his‍ left knee, forcing him to begin his professional career ⁣while rehabbing.

Now fully recovered and with a year of AHL experience under his belt, he is a‍ prospect to ⁢monitor in Lehigh Valley. The ​21-year-old can play both center and winger, and the Flyers utilized him as a center ‌during ⁢the two rookie games.

“There are areas he will need to develop for that ⁤position, ‍but his speed, agility, and energy stand out,” Flahr remarked. “He must refine his⁤ game and find his niche, but he has ‍qualities that could lead to future opportunities. Our goal is to support him in that process.”

During his rookie season with the⁣ Phantoms last year, Avon recorded‍ 18 points (nine ‌goals, nine⁣ assists) over 65 regular-season‌ contests, but his⁤ ice time diminished during the team’s six-game playoff series.

Avon‍ joined the Flyers in ​September 2021⁣ after receiving an invitation to the team’s ‍development and rookie camps. The Flyers are looking for him to become a reliable penalty killer and establish a stable role this season in the⁢ AHL.

“He needs to carve out ‍his identity,” Flahr stated. “Last year‌ saw fluctuations in his performance, but he had some‌ strong outings. He had to compete for‌ playing time and gained momentum toward the end. As a shootout specialist, he excelled. ⁤Having ⁣a unique skill like that is ⁤a foundation to build upon.”

“This year, he ⁣should focus on becoming a penalty killer ‌and expanding his influence in Lehigh⁣ Valley. If so, hopefully​ next‌ year’s camp could allow him to contend for more games and establish himself as ‍a⁣ potential‌ call-up; you never know.”

Avon demonstrated his agility on‌ Sunday during a‍ 2-on-2 ‌small-area drill, effectively creating space for himself before making his move.