Travis Sanheim’s recent Flyers exit/break-up day interviews (primarily 2025-26 season, with some context from prior years).
On Matvei Michkov (2026 exit interviews, major theme of Veteran support):
- “The pressure that’s put on him is a lot higher than anyone else has had.” (Pushing back on critics questioning Michkov’s fit/performance or consistency; emphasized it’s part of learning/growing as a young player in his second NHL season.)
Sanheim, along with Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny, publicly defended Michkov amid scrutiny over his adjustment, defensive play, and playoff inconsistencies.
On personal growth and consistency:
- “Being an older guy and a guy that’s kinda been through it all, there’s days where you’re not sure how long it’s going to take, and when you’re going to get to that point.” (Reflecting on reaching a consistent, confident two-way level in his career at age 30, after a strong season including Olympics and playoffs.)
- “You know I’m really looking forward to what the future has with this group, and bringing along the young guys and the way that they play down the stretch really excites me.”
- “To be able to take the step from an organizational standpoint that we did this year excites me moving forward, and and motivates me for the offseason and for years to come where we’re pushing this thing.”
Sanheim highlighted the value of the playoff experience (even in a second-round exit to Carolina), the growth of the young core, consistency as a veteran leader, and using the run as fuel. He noted the team’s progress after making the postseason, the lessons from facing top competition, and his personal satisfaction with hitting goals like Olympic participation and strong two-way play.
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