The Philadelphia Flyers have a young core of players on the roster that they are banking on taking that next step. One of them is Matvei Michkov, who had a second season he'd like to forget. After a promising rookie season, Michkov's production took a dip. Not only that, but he seemingly entered head coach Rick Tocchet's doghouse. Tocchet revealed during the season that Michkov showed up to training camp out of shape, which created an entire dialogue among the media and fanbase. General manager Danny Briere even had to speak to reporters to declare that Michkov is in the team's plans. Not to mention, he was benched twice during the team's 10-game playoff run.
After Philadelphia's season ended, Michkov expressed his frustration over his sophomore season during his exit interview. In fact, he even worked out on the practice rink immediately after speaking with reporters, getting a head start on preparing for next season.
It appears that both Michkov and the Flyers are doing whatever it takes to ensure that he shows up to training camp in shape.
The Athletic's Kevin Kurz reports that Michkov had a trainer that he is comfortable working with, and who the Flyers were familiar with, visit him in Russia for around three weeks this offseason.
The Flyers aren't leaving Michkov's development to chance
Additionally, Kurz reports that the Flyers are going to ensure that Michkov is "more integrated" on the team next season.
"My impression is that the organization, particularly the coaching staff, knows that everyone will have to do more to ensure Michkov is more integrated next season into what has become a tight-knit dressing room," writes Kurz. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to Michkov — something that Briere seemed to reinforce at the end of the 2025-26 season — but I would expect a more proactive approach. It will be a vital stretch for Michkov, both on and off the ice, as he enters the third and final year of his entry-level contract."
Both the Flyers and Michkov look to be doing whatever it takes to make sure that he is ready to show up for training camp in shape, and that there is a plan in place so Michkov can thrive and take that next leap in his development in his third season with the team. That will be pivotal, as Michkov is due for a new contract after the 2026-27 season.
Speaking of contracts, the Flyers had the opportunity to sign Michkov to a contract extension, but Briere opted against doing so. Instead, he wants to see how Michkov plays this upcoming season before making a financial commitment. So there is even more at stake for Michkov.
Michkov was inconsistent this past season, but there is no denying that he was on fire when the Flyers returned from the Olympic break in February. Coincidentally, the Flyers went on an incredible run to clinch a playoff spot. In those 26 games, Michkov scored seven goals and dished out 15 assists. Three of those goals were game-winners. He offered a glimpse at how he can be a true difference-maker on the team. But once the playoffs came around, his production dipped again, forcing him to get benched twice by Tocchet.
We'll see how Michkov looks when training camp takes place later this offseason. But based on this reporting, he and the Flyers are taking this offseason very seriously.
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