Matvei Michkov Reportedly Turned Down Hughes and the Canadiens to Play in Philly

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Elias Adaime
October 11, 2024 (5:11 PM)

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When the Habs selected David Reinbacher 5th overall in the 2023 draft, many fans were disappointed that Kent Hughes passed on Matvei Michkov.

Ultimately, it was the Philadelphia Flyers who took the risk on the young prospect two picks later, and Daniel Brière's gamble paid off, as Michkov is now an NHL player.

Let's just say the situation looks a little less favorable for the Canadiens now that Reinbacher will be out for nearly the entire 2024-2025 season due to an injury sustained in a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs during training camp.

Matvei Michkov said no to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens

However, as reported by the site Danslescoulisses.com, it seems the young forward's future in Montreal was already in jeopardy before the 2023 draft took place.

According to TSN 690 reporter Mitch Gallo, Matvei Michkov had no intention of playing for the Canadiens. Like Cutter Gauthier, drafted by the Flyers a year earlier and traded last winter to the Anaheim Ducks, the 19-year-old forward wanted to chart his own path by choosing the city he wanted to play in.

And the Canadiens weren't the only team to pass on Michkov in 2023, as some experts considered him the best player in the draft class after Connor Bedard.

In fact, it's not entirely clear that Michkov didn't want to play in Montreal, but according to circulating theories, he really wanted to become a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Before we see if Daniel Brière's gamble paid off, Michkov will have his rookie season in 2024-2025, and he will certainly be one to watch for the Calder Trophy.

As for David Reinbacher, let's give him a chance before judging him too harshly.