Photo Credit: Vasili Gianarakos
Matvei Michkov is set to become a Philadelphia Flyer next season after all the discourse surrounding the talented Russian prospect since his draft year.
Even before Michkov was drafted by Philadelphia there were concerns regarding the winger and when he might be able to leave Russia. Such apprehensions played a factor into why Michkov fell to seventh during the 2023 NHL Draft.
Talent wise Michkov was considered as potentially the second most impactful prospect behind Bedard throughout the years leading into the draft.
However, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Russia at the time of the 2023 Draft added a layer of uncertainty around Michkov’s ability to come to the NHL from Russia. Not to mention Michkov’s contract with SKA St. Petersburg was in place until 2025-26.
Initially, it appeared as though the contract with SKA would deter Michkov from coming over to North America any earlier than the 2026-2027 season.
As first reported by Hockey News Hub and The Fourth Period’s Anthony DiMarco, Matvei Michkov will terminate the final two seasons on his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL and sign his entry level deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The contract termination has yet to be finalized by SKA St. Petersburg but it’s expected this announcement will occur on Monday according to Hockey News Hub and TSN’s Pierre Lebrun. It’s also expected that the Flyers will sign Michkov to a three year entry level deal in the near future.
With the contract termination situation taking place it’s almost a foregone conclusion Michkov’s entry level contract will be structured with performance bonuses aplenty. Most likely his contract will be very similar to other members of his draft class such as Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson and Smith.
One thing to note concerning Michkov is how much of an impact he could have on the Flyers this upcoming season. Obviously he’s only 19 years old, coming to a new country and may not fully speak English. As a result, placing extremely high expectations on the winger is not something that should be done.
Although you have to acknowledge the fact that he is considered by many as the most talented prospect currently not playing in the NHL. With that being said, Michkov’s production in the KHL over the past two seasons only further cements that line of thinking. The crafty puck handler registered a total of 61 points in 74 games played.
His resume playing for Russia is quite impressive as well. At the 2021 U-18 World Championship Michkov led the tournament in scoring with 16 points in seven games and even outscored Connor Bedard.
Additionally, Michkov led the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in scoring with 13 points. Such point production in the KHL and while playing internationally shows the consistency present within Michkov’s game at only 19-years-old.
Ultimately we’ll see how that translates to the NHL level. From a Flyers perspective adding a dynamic offensive weapon like Michkov to a team that struggled to score at points last season is a welcome addition.
The most fascinating aspect moving forward will be how Michkov’s arrival affects the Flyers off-season strategy and if they look to bolster their roster in a significant manner.
