Editor’s note: Michkov is reportedly expected to join the Flyers next season. This article was originally published in May.
Russian forward Matvei Michkov was discussed as a high-level prospect in the 2023 NHL draft even before he embarrassed opponents with one of the best age-16 performances seen at the IIHF U18 World Championship, where he earned the MVP award in 2021.
As his draft approached, concerns about his KHL contract and questions about a timeline for his arrival to the NHL knocked him down some boards.
With rumors circulating that he may come to the NHL as early as the 2024-25 season, it seems the Philadelphia Flyers got a steal when they chose Michkov, an undeniable top-three talent, at No. 7 overall.
Who is Matvei Michkov?
Michkov is the best prospect outside of the NHL.
His KHL contract is with SKA St. Petersburg, though he was loaned to HC Sochi for the 2023-24 season after playing 27 games with them the season before.
In 48 regular-season games—despite missing significant time due to pneumonia—Michkov finished with 41 points (19 goals and 22 assists). That’s the second-best KHL season from a 19-year-old, right behind Kirill Kaprizov and tied with Evgeny Kuznetsov, though Michkov did it in one fewer game.
Russian outlet Sport-Express reported on May 19 that Michkov would “continue his career in Philadelphia” during the 2024-25 season and that he would be terminating his KHL contract (h/t Jake Modugno of Flyers Nation).
The Flyers were, understandably, quick to downplay reports. It’s a complicated and sensitive situation, as a player leaving the KHL always is, and even more so with the current geopolitical situation.
If Michkov does choose to play for the Flyers this fall, his KHL rights will remain with SKA St. Petersburg.
Breaking Down Michkov’s Game
Let’s be clear on one thing: Michkov is an elite offensive talent, and though this claim might ruffle some feathers, he’s probably the best offensive talent the Flyers have seen since Eric Lindros.
He finished in the top 30 in KHL scoring on a poor team as a 19-year-old, despite missing a significant chunk of games in the fall with pneumonia. His ceiling is high, but so is his floor. If he isn’t succeeding for you—well, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate whether you’re putting him in a position to succeed.
His hockey IQ and ability to read the ice are two of his best assets. He can problem-solve at the game’s top speeds, and he’s a creative playmaker with the hands to support his vision.
His puck skills are excellent, but don’t pigeonhole him as just a playmaker. He also has excellent finishing talent, with an arsenal of shots—a one-time, a wrister, you name it—that he can use to plague goalies.
His skating could be better in terms of pure mechanics, but it certainly isn’t hindering his ability to be a threat every time he steps onto the ice.
Michkov’s approach to the game is overall well-suited to the current style of play driving success in the NHL, and that will only improve with regular time in the league.
John Tortorella is a divisive coach, but you can say for sure is that his focus on accountability and physicality, if applied appropriately, should help to address any lingering concerns anyone has about Michkov in those areas.
How Could he Fit with the Flyers?
Short answer: Who doesn’t need a high-scoring forward?
Long answer: It depends on several factors, but if he does come over, I don’t anticipate seeing Michkov get sent down to ‘earn his reps’ in the AHL as many other young NHLers have.
When head coach John Tortorella was hired, he said he would play the kids, and he’s done just that. Michkov won’t be any different, because his skill set is already up to the standards of the current NHL and he would be taking a risk coming over to the NHL in the first place. The Flyers will want to honor the leap of faith the move requires.
At present there is no guarantee Michkov comes to the NHL this fall. All reports have pointed to somewhere around the end of June is when news—should there be any—may break about him signing his ELC, or at least him leaving the KHL.
In terms of a contract, the Flyers can’t throw money at Michkov to entice him to come over. Entry-level deals are standard, and he’ll likely get the max: Three years, $950,000 average annual value, plus whatever signing or performance bonuses the team can and wants to throw at him. They can’t buy out his KHL contract themselves, not directly.
