Matvei Michkov, Russian Players Not Affected By “Passport Ban,” For Now

Rumours of a Russian passport ban for citizens living abroad, including NHL prospects, have circulated, though the Russian Foreign Ministry has denied such reports. If implemented, this measure could compel athletes to return to Russia for passport renewal, significantly impacting their international careers and mobility. The Russian Hockey Federation also seeks to enforce a minimum KHL stint before players can consider playing in the NHL, adding complexity to the careers of young athletes like Matvei Michkov. Despite uncertainties, NHL teams like Philadelphia are cautiously approaching these developments.

Following Russian ban rumours sparking commotion, The Russian Foreign Ministry is reportedly considering issuing a passport veto for Russian-born citizens living abroad under suspension of consular services. This would ultimately affect Russian players and prospects across all 32 NHL teams as well as those developing in the minor pro leagues and juniors if the reports were, in fact, true — which reportedly are not.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is doubling down with the Russian Hockey Federation, according to reports from Novaya Gazeta that have since been denied. If it were to become more than a rumour on any grounds, it would add yet another layer to an already confusing political wash, considering a passport ban for born citizens living outside of Russian borders.

Were it true, the supposed Russian Ministry report would be introduced this year, meaning that Russian nationals living abroad — including professional athletes — would be required to return to the country to obtain or renew their passports which is a typical protocol for most countries. The Ministry refuted the report in a recent statement, however, calling it “a flat-out lie.”

If there were such a “ban” implemented, if or when athletes’ passports expired, their professional clubs would then find themselves in hot water, particularly when it comes to travelling across the Canadian border.

Most notably in Philadelphia, General Manager Daniel Briere and the Flyers concern would be Matvei Michkov, Yegor Zavargin, Ivan Fedotov, and Egor Zamula. Two of the four have found their way to America and are hoping to continue their stay without risking re-entering Russia and not finding a way out.

(Editor’s Note: I (Jamey Baskow) took out all information regarding to Alexei Kolosov, due to the fact that nothing can be corroborated right now, in regards, to if he is a Russian citizen or not. Sometimes Vladimir Putin grants citizenship to players who play in the KHL. I will find out at Flyers Developmental Camp in June, but until then Kolosov will be left out the article. The AHL Playoffs are currently on-going, but it’s tough to be granted one-on-one interviews with said players).

P-1A Athlete Visa:

All players who choose to play in the United States to continue their careers need to qualify for and obtain a P-1A Athlete visa from the U.S. Department of State. This is typically the hold-up when dealing with the transfer of players from overseas, and owing to the current political situation most especially Russian nationals.

More Than One Reported Russian Ban:

In December 2023, reports came out that the Kremlin was trying to take an extensive measure to have more control over young players to dictate their futures more accordingly. Specifically, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation has been working to implement said formality to watch over their young prospects, who are destined to play in the National Hockey League.

Along with The Foreign Ministry, The Russian Hockey Federation is still believed to be pushing for players to have at least 4 to 5-year-long careers in the KHL before considering going elsewhere. These new rules would enforce younger players coming into the league to extend their stay to a minimum of four to five years.

Contracts that have already been signed cannot and will not be altered. Any extensions and new contracts will fall under the league’s changes. These changes were brought to light prior to the 2023 NHL Draft but were never made official.

Where Does Matvei Michkov Stand in the Russian Bans?

Michkov has had all eyes on him since he was drafted in 2023 from all over the world. While receiving an updated passport should be no issue for the 19-year-old, provided he’s already in Russia, the young superstar continues to find himself in off-ice confrontations with SKA Head Coach Roman Rotenberg, who left Michkov off Russia’s roster for the Liga Stavok Big National Team Tour and repeatedly benched him before sending him on loan to HC Sochi during the 2023-24 regular season.

Michkov, coming off one of the most impressive seasons in KHL history from a U19 player since Kirill Kaprizov, while dealing with pneumonia since December 2023 — will not represent his country over the offseason — despite reportedly training and preparing for the Tour.

Matvei Michkov Time Table:

Disregarding the rumours and conspiracy theories, Michkov and other Russian prospect’s timetables remain the same as they did on the draft floor in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2023 and prior. It is still the same and will remain the same until further notice, and that is how the Flyers regime will continue to approach it. Rather than risking anything, GM Daniel Briere is contempt on waiting unless an opportunity arises, which is on the low end of possibilities.

“Look, if there’s an opportunity, we would jump on it to get him here quicker.” Daniel Briere told the media during the season-ending press conference. “As far as I know, at the moment, it’s still the same timeline. He has two years left on his deal. He would have to find a way out of his deal before we can do anything. That’s out of our control.”

As for Michkov coming to development camp over the summer, that remains another big question mark looming and an unlikely possibility. It is worth noting when dealing with matters such as this, things are subject to change and can do so rather quickly, no matter the circumstances.