Watching Can be Very Informative

Hockey fans everywhere seem dismayed by what’s unfolding in Philadelphia with Matvei Michkov and the Flyers, where head coach John Tortorella has placed Michkov on healthy scratch as part of his learning and developmental process. Macklin Celebrini, as the top overall pick from 2024 NHL Draft, says watching games can teach us much. “Watching games and sitting through meetings to observe our system and know what we are trying to achieve is invaluable in terms of learning something about life,” stated San Jose Sharks forward Celebrini. NHL Thought of the Day Michkov’s Health Issue Resurface, But You Can Gain Plenty from Watching 2024 NHL No 1 Draft Macklin Celebrini said so; as per @sjsharks #thefutureisteal #letsgoflyers and their staff (@AnthonyMingioni @BR_OpenIce @MissinCurfew @EmptyNettersPod @Pammerhockey), https://t.co/Le8BLrhros pic.twitter.com/poDR60AjPE — Jim Biringer @jimBiringer) November 9, 2024; that is all Tortorella will do with Michkov. Tortorella stated it all part of his learning process and recommended watching games as part of development for younger players. “Young guys may benefit from watching game footage as well. Tortorella explained why Michkov was being scratched due to his health for the first time this season: ‘We want him to succeed.” Celebrini watched from above during this game as well. Celebrini proved his ability by understanding where he belonged on the ice, making some smooth passes, and scoring several goals despite reaching elite status. Celebrini demonstrated how learning should continue even for elite-level hockey players like himself. Macklin Celebrini had to adapt from NCAA College Hockey while Michkov had to adjust from KHL hockey, though unlike Macklin Celebrini Michkov had to learn North American hockey from scratch; nonetheless, even San Jose Sharks have an elaborate development plan in place for Macklin Celebrini. With San Jose on an back-to-back, there’s always the risk that youngster Dante Celebrini watches and doesn’t play against Michkov as Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now tweeted. However, Ryan Warsofsky indicated the team have yet to decide whether Celebrini will make his NHL debut tonight or not. Warsofsky would only offer his usual reply: They have different plans.” When I inquired further about Celebrini having development days like Smith did, his reply was that each had unique plans; Will Smith has spent considerable time learning his game from above as the Sharks gradually introduce and assist new youngster into NHL roster. Keep this in mind – many college players have only played 45 or so games annually in total, such as Celebrini at World Juniors last season – yet the NHL schedule differs considerably, featuring back-to-back nights or sometimes multiple games per night; so it makes sense for him to come with. There have been other examples as well; just look back to Anaheim last season when General Manager Pat Verbeek placed second overall pick Leo Carlsson from the 2023 NHL Draft on an innings limit to preserve him for use later. This would prepare them for more extensive use later. Verbeek decided not to rush Carlsson into fatigue early. You can see now how this decision made Carlsson an improved player despite what many believed, similar to what has taken place with Michkov in Philadelphia and Macklin Celebrini here in San Jose. All must remember this is still a man’s game and these kids are still children coming over here. Michkov may have played against men but not every player can match Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid for success; even Connor Bedard may struggle in the NHL. These players can apply what they learn from watching from above into practice and their next game, taking what they see from above into account in practice and their next match-up. All will do fine; learning is part of life even for NHL’s greatest stars! Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel yet? It’s new but already offering up news updates from around the league as well as hot topics from our YouTube videos!