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 now is officially a Flyer, per Flyers’ General Manager Danny Briere. Finally from the heavens, Michkov is a Flyer for the 2024-25 season.
Michkov has been teasing Flyers fans and media alike with wearing orange clad gear, but now HE IS OFFICIALLY A FLYER, and he is due to arrive in Philadelphia sometime today, per a team source. Kevin Kurz from the Athletic was the first to confirm this.
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.
The writing was on the wall for Michkov to join the Flyers, “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 well over a month ago, “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 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.
Michkov really found his niche with Sochi though. He’s that scoring threat that people remember, and 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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Finally, Michkov is signed and delivered with the Flyers. He is exactly what the doctor has ordered for this proud franchise, and the proud faithful that love this team. Michkov now arrives about 2 months early for rookie camp and training camp thereafter.
