Matvei Michkov already getting a head start preparing for next season

For Flyers fans, all of their attention is on winger Matvei Michkov, who didn't exactly take the next step in his development, especially when compared to his rookie season. There were glimpses of promise for Michkov, but there were also the struggles in the playoffs, notably resulting in him being healthy scratched in Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Game 4 versus the Hurricanes.

During his press conference, Michkov expressed that he needed to play better and that he was expected to score goals in the playoffs. Michkov then said that he was going to get on the ice as soon as his media session ended.

Michkov was not lying, as he was spotted on the practice ice, alone, in the team facility on Wednesday. The video comes courtesy of Flyers rinkside and digital reporter Kendall Skalicky.

Matvei Michkov is already practicing day after end of season press conference

You can tell Michkov is motivated to put behind what was a rollercoaster season behind him and build towards having a great third season.

In case you were curious about how rare this is, The Athletic's Kevin Kurz said that the he's "never seen or even heard of a guy get back out on the ice so soon after the season ends." Flyers fans will love to read that.

There was plenty of talk surrounding Michkov during this season. The biggest noise was that he had reportedly showed up to training camp out of shape, which head coach Rick Tocchet made a point to bringing to the media's attention. That then led to general manager Danny Briere informing reporters that Michkov wasn't going anywhere when addressing questions about the forward's future with the team.

Michkov was one of Philadelphia's top players after the Olympic break, which in turn helped them make the playoffs. In April, Michkov scored four goals and dished out seven assists in eight regular season games. The Flyers won six of those games, which helped them clinch third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Michkov recorded 51 points in his second season, which is down from the 61 he recorded as a rookie. Tocchet said during his press conference on Wednesday that while that it must be understood that Michkov is still only 21 years old.

"The kid wants it, don't get me wrong. But we have to understand he's 21 years old. He wants it and we have the tools to help him. That's a thing that this summer, for him and he's already got all these different plans, which is great and we have these tools that can help. So we got to remember, he's 21 years old."

The questions surrounding Michkov and his future with the team will continue until he can consistently turn things around and take that next step. Fans have to feel confident that he is taking things seriously this early into the Flyers' offseason.

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