Matvei Michkov, the Flyers’ dynamic young forward and 2023 seventh-overall draft pick, has been vocal about his singular focus for the 2025-26 NHL season: getting his team back to the playoffs. After a standout rookie campaign in 2024-25 where he tallied 26 goals and 67 points in 80 games—leading the Flyers in scoring and finishing as a Calder Trophy finalist—the 21-year-old Russian star is done with individual accolades.
He’s prioritizing team success, especially after Philadelphia’s ongoing postseason drought (now five straight years as of the 2024-25 season). In a recent interview during Flyers Training Camp on September 18, 2025, Michkov explicitly stated his “first and main goal” for Year 2: making the playoffs. He emphasized, “No excuses in Year 2,” while noting his improving English as a tool to better integrate with teammates. This comes amid optimism around the Flyers’ offseason moves, including additions like Trevor Zegras and Dan Vladar, which Michkov has praised as steps toward contention.
Michkov’s mindset shift is evident: He’s shelving flashy plays like lacrosse-style goals (“One season was enough”) to focus on reliable scoring and team play. Under new Head Coach Rick Tocchet, he craves more ice time and freedom on the ice to elevate the Flyers from fringe contenders to true playoff threats.
The Flyers finished 2024-25 with 91 points (38-33-11), just missing the wild card. Michkov’s rookie impact was massive, but as General Manager Danny Briere noted, he’s one piece of the puzzle—not the savior.
With his speed, vision, and shot already NHL-caliber, Year 2 could see him push toward 80+ points if the power play clicks. Teammates like Travis Konecny and the incoming Zegras could form a lethal top line. Flyers brass, including President Keith Jones, echo the hype: Michkov “wants to be a star,” and the fan in them all wants playoffs.
Philly fans are buzzing—Michkov’s arrival has reignited Broad Street Bullies energy after years of rebuild frustration. If he stays healthy and adapts fully to North American rinks, he could be the spark that ends the drought. As Michkov put it yesterday: “Otherwise there is no point to train, if we don’t want to win.”
One thing that stood out yesterday was his English, and Michkov said it’s “Better”. At the end of his interview yesterday, he said “Thank you guys” in clear English. Very polite and nonchalant. It was good to see him trying to adapt to the culture.
Watch for his sophomore leap when the season tips off in October.
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