Flyers may get top prospect Matvei Michkov much sooner than hoped

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
May 3, 2024 (2:12 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Philadelphia Flyers may get their top prospect and seventh overall draft pick Matvei Michkov over from Russia a lot sooner than expected

The Philadelphia Flyers had a rollercoaster season in 2023-24.After exceeding expectations for most of the season, the team found itself just outside of a spot in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs when April came around. The Flyers are now looking forward to next season, and they may be getting a big addition.

Philadelphia GM Danny Briere selected Matvei Michkov with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 draft knowing that the youngster was under contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL until the end of the 2025-26 season. Philadelphia was willing to wait, if needed, but a new interview with the President of SKA indicated they may not need to.

Alexander Medvedev sat down with Matchtv.ru to answer some questions. Michkov came up quickly. Medvedev made it clear that SKA may very well let Michkov go to North America before his contract is up. In fact, it may be as early as this summer. There is one condition, though. If Michkov doesn't make the Flyers, he gets sent back to Russia rather than the AHL.

"I think it's better to leave, like [Alexander] Ovechkin or [Artemi] Panarin, when you've already established yourself in Russia. And you're not going to North America to travel between the NHL and the AHL.

Michkov suffered a terrible tragedy in April of 2023 when it was reported that his father and mentor had gone missing. Two days later, his body was found in a pond. Given what he's went through, Medvedev said a change would probably do Michkov a lot of good.

"We mustn't forget that Matvey suffered a terrible tragedy, losing his father, who was also his mentor, being there for him all the time. It's hard to play psychologically, whether it's Sochi or Moscow, where everything reminds you of this loss. Maybe a change of scenery will make it easier to adapt."

Other info:

Medvedev thinks its better to "leave like Ovechkin/Panarin".
If he does leave? Would have to have guarantee in contract returned to SKA if does not make NHL, no AHL time/option.
Medvedev also said not worth talking about right now... but ofc proceeded to! #Flyers� Alexander Appleyard (@avappleyard) April 30, 2024

It's not a big secret that Russia and the KHL want their stars to shine as bright as possible in the NHL. Michkov certainly has the talent, he just needs to see whether he's ready to join the best league in the world. While under contract with SKA, Michkov was loaned to HC Sochi of the KHL for the 2023-24. St. Petersburg is a regular contender for the Gagarin Cup, and had no spot for an 18-year-old at the time. With Sochi, Michkov scored 19 goals and 41 points in 47 games.