Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers PR
The seventh overall draft pick in Matvei Michkov really made an imprint with Sochi ever since he was traded from SKA St. Petersburg. Michkov really has found his game, as he finished the season with 19 goals and 22 assists in 47 games played. He just had a great season with Sochi, and Michkov might, just might be in the NHL sooner than expected. Possibly as early as June when SKA makes a determination on Michkov, after talking with the Flyers front office that is.
Today, Matvei Michkov posted a picture of his workout on his Instagram, all this while wearing a Flyers Hockey shirt. The signs are pointing towards him coming to Philly sooner rather than later.
For those wondering, this photo is of Encore Fitness in Moscow, Russia (AKA @encorerus). One photo was of the same flooring that Michkov was training on, and it was written in English (Hammer Strength).
A talented player like Michkov is exactly what John Tortorella and Danny Briere have been preaching about and clamoring about for the past few seasons, “We need more high-end talent.” That’s what Michkov is, an elite level talent that can take over a game with the blink of an eye.
If Michkov did in fact join the Flyers in June, following a ruling by SKA “I think we will talk about all the options, first of all, with him.” The Chairman of the Board of Directors of SKA, Alexander Medvedev said via Match TV, “And we will also talk with the leaders of Philadelphia, with whom we have very good relations. There is understanding, and you will be patient. I think the decision on Michkov will be no later than the end of June.”
Such a change in Michkov coming to North America sooner could be because of the relationship he has with current SKA Head Coach Roman Rotenberg, who just left them off the 25 man national team roster for Team Russia. Rotenberg also played a major influence in shipping or loaning Michkov to Sochi from SKA St. Petersburg.
Matvei Michkov is a KHL All-Star at 18-years-old, 18, in what is the second toughest league in the World. Unreal stuff for this Flyers prospect
7G,7A in 14 games played. I bet it feels good to play pic.twitter.com/sepPmMVtLW— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) October 21, 2023
Michkov really found his niche with Sochi though. 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 Tortorella nuts when he makes the Flyers, but it’s all and good fun.
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He is still under contract for two more years with SKA, but you never know things may change. In order for Michkov to part ways with SKA his contract to terminate would have to be mutually agreed upon with SKA, and who knows anything is possible.
“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
Maybe he comes over in June, maybe he doesn’t, but if he did it would speed up the Flyers rebuild tremendously by one to two years. Michkov is of a generational talent, and these type of players do not grow on trees. The Flyers can then focus or shift their attention on the defensive side of the puck this offseason, rather than the offensive side. With that being said, maybe the Flyers would then focus their attention with their first two draft picks at the 2024 NHL Draft on the defensive side of the puck, as opposed to the offensive side of the puck. Now I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but there may be a switch or change and they’re offseason plans, if Michkov did indeed come over a few years earlier than expected.
Michkov would be the Flyers best addition to the lineup since Eric Lindros. I’m not saying he’s going to replicate Lindros’s success, but Michkov is the type of pedigree of player as #88 was when he first started playing in the NHL.
I don’t understand all the talk from writers that we should draft defensemen. We are sorely lacking for centers throughout the organization. And they have no plans to sign free agents while we keep hearing about trading Laughton. Unless we plan on drafting d men who are interested in playing center, they should start devoting some attention to the middle.