Disturbing statement concerning Matvei Michkov and it's causing a stir

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Elias Edmonson
August 27, 2023 (11:11)

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Despite the fact that he was probably the second-best talent of the 2023 class, Matvei Michkov had to wait for the Philadelphia Flyers to select him with the seventh overall pick at the last NHL draft held in Nashville last June.

Several factors could explain why the Russian forward dropped during the first round, but the Flyers' new general manager, Daniel Brière, took the risk of selecting the player many experts claim is the best Russian prospect since a certain Alexander Ovechkin.

That said, now that Michkov is a member of the Flyers organization, the new GM was a guest of Yannick Bouchard on the show Les Amateurs de sports on 98.5 FM, where he answered listeners' questions.

When asked about the risk the Flyers took in drafting the young Russian, Brière immediately stated that the organization had done its homework and that Michkov met all their expectations.

He answered all our questions. He was committed.

It must be said that despite any doubts about Michkov, his dream is to play in the NHL. However, his contractual situation ties him with the SKA St-Petersburg team in the KHL, and he is only expected to arrive in North America in the fall of 2026.

On this subject, it was one of the Flyers' concerns, and they had some doubts
before selecting him at the seventh spot.

A concerning statement

Are we scared? Yes, like everyone else. It's probably the reason he dropped to us, at pick #7.

We hope and trust that one day he will want to come play. We know he wants to play in the NHL, but many things need to fall into place.

Although the organization must be patient with its young prospect, they are already very concerned, even months after the draft choice.

However, the Flyers' rebuild is just beginning, and by the time Michkov could make his entry into Philadelphia, he will be 21 years old, and Daniel Brière's team should be much stronger than we'll see over the next two seasons.

While waiting to see Matvei Michkov in the white and orange uniform (if that ever happens), here's a glimpse of his undeniable talent.