Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Flyers PR
Over the span of the past week there’s been some changes in Matvei Michkov’s on ice usage with SKA St Petersburg in the KHL. The 7th overall draft pick went from centering the second and third lines for a handful of games during the preseason to receiving considerably less ice time in three outings for SKA last week.
Michkov played only eight minutes and five minutes over the course of two games that took place early last week. He was also a healthy scratch for the preseason game SKA participated in on August 25th.
Such a change in how Michkov is being utilized with SKA presents question marks surrounding how the talented prospect may be handled as the KHL regular season begins and progresses. Obviously with Michkov playing in the KHL this season that leaves the Flyers with very little control over his development. Ideally if SKA were to continue giving Michkov limited ice time the best case scenario would result in the forward being loaned to another KHL team, similarly to last season.
If something like that occurs once again it should be interesting to see how the remaining two seasons of Michkov’s KHL contract with SKA unfolds. One would assume the skilled prospect would not be very thrilled to be loaned to another KHL team for the second straight season. Specifically after committing to signing with SKA and wanting to play for that organization in particular.
Could the above scenario potentially spark the 7th overall draft pick to make his way to Philadelphia sooner than expected?
That’s a question that will likely be addressed as the next few years elapse. One thing to keep in mind regarding Michkov and his limited usage over the final preseason games for SKA is that it’s only the preseason. Until the same situation occurs in the regular season this is a non issue for both Michkov and the Flyers.
Ultimately, the most important thing for the talented forward is to receive enough ice time to continue developing his game at both ends of the ice throughout this upcoming KHL regular season. Whether that’s with SKA St Petersburg or another KHL club, time will certainly tell.
Gettin Gritty Wit It Episode 177
The latest episode of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast is here and the boys are back in full force.
On this week’s episode Yariv and Vasili addressed several Flyers and hockey related topics. Here were some of the things they discussed below:
-Michkov’s KHL usage. Would he consider leaving the KHL early?
-Morgan Frost still unsigned
-Flyers rookie camp and training camp approaching
-NHL salary cap
-Remaining UFA options and potential PTO candidates for the Flyers.
Thanks for reading and listening to the podcast.
Have a great week everyone!
