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 is now ready to join Philadelphia in July sometime.
I can confirm with sources that he will terminate his contract with SKA, and sign with the Flyers as early as today. He may miss developmental camp that begins on July 2nd, per Pierre LeBrun, due to Visa issues, but he should come to North America in July sometime shortly thereafter. Credit also goes to Hockey News Hub, and Anthony DiMarco for the Michkov news.
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.
“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.” That was then and this is now.
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 him 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 this season, but it’s all and good fun. He will immediately play for the Flyers, not the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Check out our Flyers Nitty Gritty Store
Cool Matvei Michkov merchandise
One area that he will be of use in Philadelphia will be the Power Play. Flyers could definitely use his assistance with the man advantage, as they’ve been bottom feeders in this area for the past few seasons. It’s also one main reason why they missed the playoffs again. They need some creativity on offense, and that’s what Michkov provides.
“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
Michkov’s arrival speeds up the Flyers rebuild tremendously by one to two years. He is 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. Maybe the Flyers will focus their attention defensive side of the puck with the 12th overall pick, 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, now that Michkov will indeed come over a few years earlier than expected. Maybe, just maybe, the Flyers trade for a 1C before the draft.
The 19-year-old in 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.
It’s time to Buckle Up folks!!!
