According to the analysis, the NHL is increasingly a young man’s game, and teams that have adapted their communication and development approaches have seen the most success. The piece cites Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale as examples: both were pushed down the depth chart in Anaheim but have flourished since arriving in Philadelphia.
The report outlines several common reasons young players can stall: injury, a weak development structure inside an organization, poor communication with coaching staff and, most often, a lack of opportunity to make mistakes and grow in key roles. Kirby Dach is noted as a comeback example; after early struggles he has been rejuvenated and is a useful middle-six player for a Montreal club now in the conference finals.
The analysis contrasts teams that provided room for younger players to develop with those that did not. Beckett Sennecke and Cutter Gauthier were allowed to grow with the Ducks in 2025-26, while Adam Fantilli and Tim Stutzle received significant developmental opportunities elsewhere. By comparison, the piece notes Kent Johnson, Mason McTavish and Matvei Michkov were not given similar latitude. It also notes the Minnesota Wild impeded the development of some younger players by signing veterans who provided negative value.
Matvei Michkov, listed as a forward with the Philadelphia Flyers, is identified as the most glaring candidate for a change of scenery. The analysis says Rick Tocchet has elevated Zegras but has a poor track record with star talent; Clayton Keller and Elias Pettersson reportedly saw their production stunted under Tocchet, and Michkov experienced similar struggles in 2025-26 despite potential greater than both. Michkov has not been afforded the same latitude as Porter Martone and Zegras, and the piece says he has not been put in a position to succeed.
The report warns that benching players for developmental mistakes can erode confidence, distinguishing between ‘lazy’ mistakes and those that result from trying to create offense. It concludes the Flyers face a choice: require Tocchet to give Michkov room to develop or consider trading him before his value is damaged.
