Matvei Michkov is back on the Right Wing (RW) for the Flyers as of their recent games in early March 2026. This shift happened March 7, 2026, following the departure of Bobby Brink (traded to Minnesota), which opened up lineup options, and Michkov’s own expressed preference to play there.
Head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed the move, noting it was influenced by Brink leaving and Michkov wanting to try it again. Tocchet added he’d “See how it goes” and has his own thoughts on it, but the change was made for the game against Pittsburgh, where Michkov lined up with Denver Barkey.
“Bobby leaving and then Mich wants to try it. We will see. I have my thoughts on that, but we will see how it goes,” Flyers’ Head Coach Rick Tocchet said yesterday.
I mean, from the looks of this, the Flyers front office had seemingly stepped in and told Tocchet to put Michkov back on the right side. Obviously, Tocchet It has reservations about such, and this is not the first time the front office has had to step in and tell him to either play the young kids, or the front office stepping in to cure a PR disaster about Michkov.
Michkov, a left-handed shot, has historically been most comfortable and productive on the right wing—his natural/off-wing position for a lefty shooter. This allows better shooting angles (one-timers, open looks from the right circle/slot) and play creation, as he’s played RW for most of his career (including pre-NHL and his rookie season in 2024-25, where he led the team in goals).This season (2025-26), he spent much of the year on the left wing (LW), a move Tocchet made partly to encourage a more straight-line style and adapt to line combinations (e.g., with Sean Couturier or others).
Believe it or not, Michkov has openly said he prefers RW, feels he creates more there, and it’s “a new role” on LW that he’s adapting to—but he’d been “always happy” on the right.Recent performances show him looking strong on RW again and on the Power Play.
Moving Michkov back to the right side appears to maximize his skill set, and it seems the move (possibly with some front-office input) is sticking for now—hopefully through the rest of the season, as he’s shown more offense and comfort there.
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