In a report from Hockey News Hub and later confirmed by Anthony Di Marco of The Fourth Period and Kevin Kurz of The Athletic, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov is expected to terminate his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL to join the Flyers for the 2024-25 NHL season.
Di Marco later reported that Michkov will be represented by CAA in North America, which also represents Cameron York, Nick Seeler and Ivan Fedotov in the Flyers’ organization.
The news of Michkov’s arrival in Philadelphia ends a year-long story that began shortly before the 2023 NHL Draft. Viewed by many as one of the top talents not named Connor Bedard in last year’s draft, Michkov fell to seventh overall as many teams grew afraid he may take years to make it to North America due to his contractual obligations in the KHL.
Being that hindsight is 20/20, the Flyers will have had to wait only one year to see Michkov join the organization as General Manager Daniel Briere’s big gamble appears to have paid off.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reports that the situation is still fluid regarding Michkov, but the expectation is that he will be with the Flyers organization when the 2024-25 season opens up.
With plenty of doubts about his eventual arrival in Philadelphia, the team must first sign the young Russian prospect to his entry-level contract. Regardless of the logistical steps forward, the Flyers will be adding one of the best young prospects in the world to their organization.
In his season after the 2023 NHL Draft, Michkov played primarily on loan for HK Sochi of the KHL, becoming a complete offensive package for the organization. In 47 games played, Michkov potted 19 goals while assisting on 22 more.
Michkov finished 40th in the league in scoring, but it was far and away the most by any player under 20.
Michkov’s creativity and play with the puck is reminiscent of Russian forward Pavel Datsyuk throughout his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings. Additionally, Michkov has a keen ability to find the back of the net and a very mature hockey IQ.
It will be interesting to see if Michkov can keep up with the defensive expectations brought by head coach John Tortorella in Philadelphia, but he should be one of the team’s premier offensive players in due time.
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