Matvei Michkov was the hottest player on the Flyers since moving back to his preferred Right Wing (RW) position in early March 2026.
The Shift and Its Impact
The Flyers moved him back to RW around March 7, 2026 (following the Bobby Brink trade), after he spent most of the 2025-26 season on the Left Wing under Rick Tocchet. Michkov, a left-handed shooter, has repeatedly said he feels more comfortable and creative on the right side—where he played his entire pre-NHL career and most of his strong rookie season (2024-25, when he led the Flyers with 26 goals and 63 points).
On Right Wing, he gets better shooting angles (one-timers from the right circle/slot), more room to create, and stronger power-play opportunities. Since being moved back to his favorable position, he has registered 20 points since March 7, 2026 (5g,15a).
Recent Performance on RW
Michkov led the team in points production during that specific window of being placed back at the Right Wing position on March 7, 2026. He’s accumulated multi-point games and has seen an noticeable uptick in confidence and output as the year wound down. Michkov finished the 2025-26 season with 19G-29A-48P in 80 games overall (down from his rookie year but still solid for a 21-year-old), with clear improvement and “heating up” in the final stretch.
The 21-uear-old in Michkov doesn’t shrink from pressure—he seems to thrive when given the chance to play his natural game.
Why RW Suits Him Better
Playing Left Wing was an adjustment for line combos and a more “straight-line” system, but it limited some of his off-wing instincts. Back on RW, he’s looked more assertive, dangerous in transition, and effective on the PP (where a good chunk of his Power Play production has historically come from the right side).
Flyers fans have been vocal that keeping him at the Right Wing position maximizes his skill set, and the late-season results backed that up for many. Michkov’s still young and developing under a new coaching staff, so there’s upside
If the organization commits to his best position long-term. The “hottest” label in that RW stretch feels spot-on based on the eye test and point totals relative to the team in that window.What specific stretch or games stood out most to you?
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