The Daily: Flyers Can Learn From Spain Soccer; Detroit Odds

Philadelphia Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey has an interesting take on how Spain’s championship win at the UEFA European Championship might provide a blueprint for what the Flyers want to do with teenager Matvei Michkov.

Spain beat England 2-1 in the gold medal game.

Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal is a key player for Spain. Like the Flyers, Spain had a wide variety of players on their team to support the rising young star. He had an assist on Spain’s first goal. Yamal, who didn’t turn 17 until two days ago, only had seven goals this season over 50 games in league and international games. But his coaches were content to watch him mature by learning from his teammates and personal experiences.

Bailey sees a parallel to what the Flyers want to do. To read Bailey’s interesting comparison, click here:

“Spain reaped the benefits of trusting their youngsters on one of the biggest stages in all of football (or soccer, if you’re inclined),” Bailey wrote. “The Flyers saw some success when trusting Tyson Foerster in key situations last season, and the 22-year-old repaid the faith bestowed in him with a 20-goal season, shooting inconsistencies notwithstanding.”

I love Michkov already pic.twitter.com/NVqiJaGQGQ

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 27, 2021

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Patrick Kane has a five-step plan for helping to push the Red Wings back in the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

Western Hockey League standout Emmitt Finnie might be the sleeper of the Red Wings prospect pool.

Paywall story. Detroit scouting boss Kris Draper sees potential in Charlie Forslund. He’s a project, but there is considerable up-side. If you want to subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here. Use the promo code bob10 to receive a $10 discount for a yearly subscription.

Red Wings Offseason

According to betonline.com, the Red Wings are 33-1 shots to win the Stanley Cup this season.  Fourteen teams have better odds, including Atlantic Division rivals Florida (13-2), Toronto (18-1), Boston (22-1) and Tampa Bay (28-1). Buffalo and Ottawa are both at 40-1. The Montreal Canadiens are at 80-1. The San Jose Sharks are the NHL longshot a 300-1.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Even though he hasn’t officially filed his retirement papers, Zach Parise has confirmed he’s done playing. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: The Panthers were forced into big offseason changes, even though they are coming off a Stanley Cup. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: Marc Dumont writes that the Habs are showing much improved depth up front. Montreal Canadiens.