NHL: Metropolitan Division top rookies to look out for

As the season is right around the corner, there is yet another group of incoming rookies who are well on their way to making a bigger name for themselves.

For the Metropolitan Division, there are two rookies that really stand out compared to any other potential players making their NHL debut this season.

In fact, the rookies are playing for arch-rivals and will seemingly add more youth to both squads.

Matvei Michkov, F, Philadelphia Flyers

If we’re talking about incoming rookies, Michkov is probably the most intriguing one in the entire NHL. His transition to the NHL came as a major surprise to the entire fanbase.

When he was in the process of getting drafted, there was certainty that he would not be able to play in the NHL until 2026. That would be another two full seasons before he would make his debut.

However, shocking the entire NHL, he transitioned over from Russia to play for the Flyers this season.

In his draft class, talent-wise, he was the best player in the entire class. The reason he fell in the draft to the Flyers at No. 7 was because of the worry that he would not be available for three years.

Michkov has lit up preseason play for the Flyers and will be a key piece to a team that just missed the playoffs after exceeding expectations.

In just four games, he scored three times while assisting on four other goals. The hype is real for Michkov and he’s just getting started.

Rutger McGroarty, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

McGroarty is the other rookie in the Metropolitan Division who has some extreme hype for his season.

McGroarty was drafted 14th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2022.

In his two seasons in college, playing for Michigan, he dominated the collegiate game. After being drafted he played his freshman season and tallied 39 points, including 18 goals.

However, he did not fall into a sophomore slump in his second season as a Wolverine. He had 50 points in 34 games, which included 16 goals.

For the Penguins, they are in major need of some youth in their lineup, which is why they made the trade for McGroarty. The one-for-one trade of McGroarty for top prospect Brayden Yager was a move to improve now while also getting younger. McGroarty is more NHL-ready right now.

It’s a major fit for both Pittsburgh and McGroarty. He wanted a trade from the Jets because he wanted to start his career for a new franchise. Now, he can make an instant impact on one of the top three lines for a team that just missed the playoffs.

It will be interesting to see how the first seasons play out for these two big-time prospects. Both players have the ability to become the face of the franchise in the future and could be major factors in the future of this historic rivalry.

Andrew Deal is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email asd5765@psu.edu.