Everyone has added their two cents worth on Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov, but far fewer have endured the challenges young Russian rookies face in terms of language, cultural changes and just getting used to a new way of life.
Some current Russian NHLers and a few who are waiting in the wings were asked by website Responsible Gambler in the last few weeks what they think of Michkov’s potential and how important he is to the Flyers. It’s a good cross-section of established veterans, a future Hall-of-Famer, and a recent draft prospect who one certain fanbase believes will skate circles around Michkov.
“The most important thing is to avoid injuries and play his hockey,” Alex Ovechkin says of Michkov. “Not to stop there and only move forward. I know Matvei is very talented, scoring a lot in the KHL for his age. Let him always have self-confidence. Philadelphia will support him, and I hope his development will go well.”
Ovechkin, who could become the leading goal scorer in NHL history this season if he goes on a tear like he did the latter half of last year, is a different player than Michkov at an entirely different end of the career path. In 2004-05, the year prior to his NHL rookie season, Ovechkin put up 27 points in 37 games for Moscow Dynamo, similar to Michkov’s 41 points in 47 games for HK Sochi last year. If Michkov comes anywhere close to Ovechkin’s 106 points in his inaugural season I think most would be in shock. Half that point total would be considered great. But the biggest aspect is keeping healthy whether Michkov sinks or swims in year one, as the hockey legend says.
Another player who spoke of Michkov was Canadiens’ highly touted prospect Ivan Demidov who said he’s a “new hope” for the Flyers.
“Unsurprisingly, he was greeted so warmly, and everything was done to make him comfortable,” Demidov says, adding Michkov sent Demidov video clips from the Flyers’ locker room and ice level. “As for his game, I’m sure he will succeed. Matvei is a versatile player who is always focused on the goal, but can also make passes. Moreover, he can play in the center, and we have had such an experience. The main thing is that he needs good partners, and in Philadelphia there will be no problems with that.”
Well, that’s a whole lot of things to love coming from the 2024 top draft pick. Beyond the specifics about his play, Demidov believing that Michkov can be a center in the NHL is something that we will certainly keep in the back of our minds.
Thus far, Michkov has seen a lot of action and time with Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. He’s also seen some minutes with Jett Luchanko which has had Flyers fans drooling just a little bit. As Demidov says the key is to let him develop but put him with the right people and in the right spot to succeed and grow. Demidov is currently spending another season in the KHL (and was recently named the league’s Rookie of the Week) but there’s hope in Montreal that he ends up in the NHL next season although there’s no guarantee.
One former NHLer, Alexander Radulov, praised Michkov for his “good shot and excellent vision of the ice” and noting how he bulked up and got stronger, something he needs to survive in the NHL. “He is a very good hockey player, and he’ll have a very good coach [John Tortorella],” Radulov says. “It is unlikely that he will be criticized for no reason. Everything is in his hands. The Flyers have a good and young team, he will probably be given a lot of playing time.”
Other players and prospects noted Michkov’s passing, his deception and how he thinks the game at a level far superior to most NHL players and especially NHL rookies. What is clear is that a lot of his fellow countrymen are hoping he turns into something special.
Michkov continues to make a strong impression during his first days of being a Flyer. After earning two assists during his first preseason game, the Flyers return (hopefully with him in the lineup) to exhibition action on Thursday against the New York Islanders for the first game at Wells Fargo Center of the preseason.
