The Philadelphia Flyers took somewhat of a risk drafting Matvei Michkov with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.
He was inked to a long-term contract in the KHL with the SKA St. Petersburg. That meant that it would be a few years before he was able to come over to the NHL.
If that wasn't an issue, he would have been right in that conversation with Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, and Leo Carlsson.
Every team passed on him though until the Flyers took that chance with pick number seven. Well, it sounds like that risk may be rewarded soon.
Matvei Michkov may be headed to the Philadelphia Flyers sooner than we thought
There is a new report coming out of Russia that suggests that the next chapter of his career will come with Philadelphia.
I've been told the Flyers recently became aware of the Matvei Michkov report but don't know anything more about it--yet. https://t.co/jSZrlL26Wx
— Jon Bailey (@ByJonBailey) May 19, 2024
There’s a report out of Russia that Matvei Michkov “will continue his career next season in Philadelphia.” 👀
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 19, 2024
The Flyers are reportedly working to confirm the details of the report. pic.twitter.com/wP0TFMi4qL
These reports suggest that the Flyers are still working to get to the bottom of it but there is hope for Philadelphia Flyers fans.
Michkov is certainly a young player that appears to be NHL-ready. He is an incredibly gifted offensive player who can make plays and score goals.
If he is headed to Philly, he'll fit into their top six right away. He has the talent to come in and be their leading scorer right away. A lot of that will depend on how he defends in John Tortorella's system. On the offensive side of things, he's ready to contribute.
Until the Flyers have him signed to his entry-level deal in the NHL, this is just a rumor that should be taken somewhat lightly but multiple outlets are reporting it now.
With the way things went with Cutter Gauthier, the Flyers need this forward to work out in their favor. They have great depth at forward to build around him coming up but none of them play like Michkov.
If he signs with the team, he will end up being one of their franchise players. Until things are official, it is fair to remain cautiously optimistic.