Matvei Michkov’s first full press conference entirely in English happened today (September 17, 2026), on Day 1 of Philadelphia Flyers training camp at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, NJ.
Michkov conducted the entire media availability himself in English (no translator). Previously, he mostly used Flyers advisor Slava Kuznetsov for media sessions. He had done a one-on-one English-language interview with NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman in April 2026 ahead of the playoffs (his first extended English interview), plus occasional short English phrases, but this was his first full group presser in English.
Key details from the session:
- Michkov acknowledged the challenge: “I know little bit English (First year). Now a little better. This is my first interview in English, I’m sorry. Thank you for all the support, thank you guys.”
- “I like chocolate, only day off”, Michkov said laughing
- He called Philadelphia his second home, noted he was energetic, and mentioned liking chocolate (but only on days off).
- Reports described him as looking fast with noticeable swagger on the ice earlier that day (he skated on a line with Denver Barkey and Zach Aston-Reese at times).
This marks a clear step forward in his English after arriving in 2024 with very limited proficiency.
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