Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers PR
The seventh overall draft pick in Matvei Michkov is really made an imprint with Sochi ever since he was traded from SKA St. Petersburg. Michkov really has found his game, as he now has 10 goals and nine assists in 21 games played. He sits tied for 36th in scoring in the KHL with a plus/minus of -2 with Sochi.
Such a change in how Michkov is being utilized with Sochi has been a blessing in disguise. He went from being benched game after game with SKA St. Petersburg to playing regular minutes with Sochi. This has enabled him to make the All-Star Game in the KHL, which is a great feat for an 18-year-old.
Michkov really has found his niche with Sochi. He’s that scoring threat that people remember, in his hands are pretty slick. Michkov likes to attempt the Michigan, and it will drive John Totorella nuts when he makes the Flyers, but it’s all and good fun. Maxim Tretiak, the grandson of Soviet Union Vladisav Tretiak is Michkov’s teammate now.
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Between Michkov and Cutter Gauthier, the Flyers are loaded with top tier talent for once. Hopefully, Michkov comes over sooner rather than later, and can relish a new role with the Flyers. He is still under contract for two more years with Sochi, but you never know things may change. In order for Michkov to part ways with Sochi his contract to terminate would have to be mutually agreed upon with Sochi, and who knows anything is possible.
That’s a question that will likely be addressed as the next few years elapse. Ultimately, the most important thing for the talented forward is to receive enough ice time to continue developing his game at both ends of the ice throughout this upcoming KHL regular season.
“Obviously he was frustrated (Lack of playing), but for him to move back to Sochi he just wants to play that’s all. Personally that’s all I care about (Him playing).” – Brent Flahr, Flyers’ Assistant General Manager
All spells good news moving forward for Michkov and his development. He needs ice time, it’s critical and imperative at the young age of 18-years-old. Hopefully, he continues to progress in a men’s league in the KHL with Sochi this season.
