Rick Tocchet talks about Matvei Michkov's next steps

The Philadelphia Flyers are getting into offseason mode after the team was swept in the second round of the playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes over the weekend. With Flyers players and coaches conducting exit interviews with reporters and media, we get to hear a bit about the team's plans moving forward, especially after they overperformed this season.

One of the players that will always be in the spotlight is Matvei Michkov, who had a roller coaster season. There were glimpses of promise, especially during the second half of the campaign, but there were plenty of lows, with the lowest being Michkov being a healthy scratch in Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

During an appearance on PHLY Sports' The Anthony Gargano Show, Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet was asked about Michkov's plans for the summer in terms of getting ready for next season. Tocchet stressed that while fans want Michkov to be a star, it is still a process.

Rick Tocchett discusses Matvei Michkov development plans

"I know everyone wants him to be a star, and he's not there yet, and it's ok," said Tocchet. "He's a spoke in the wheel. He's part of the young group. [Alex Bump] and [Denver Barkey], I think it's important for him to be in that group. We shouldn't put him up on a pedestal. It's not his fault. And I think the pressure, I think it affected him early. Obviously, he wasn't ready to start the year, that's all water under the bridge."

"He came in the last few months working harder, trying to understand the English part and the team game, that's all part of the process. And we can't be afraid of it."

Tocchet continued saying that "nobody is ruining" Michkov, placing his trust in his coaching staff.

"Our assistant coaches are one of the best, the players love them," said Tocchet. "They'll come here at 11 o'clock at night if it means for them to play better. Michkov is a part of it with the spoke of the wheel and we're going to enhance the relationship with all of our players, and he's one of them, too. We've got to get better, and I've got to get better, too."

It's no secret that Michkov's development was under question throughout this season. There was the talk of Michkov showing up to training camp last summer out of shape. Then there was the inconsistent play in terms of production, such as a five-point October and a and six-point January. But there was promise, as Michkov had an incredibly productive April, where he recorded 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in eight games. Yet, in the playoffs, he was a healthy scratch during the first round.

Matvei Michkov talks season of mixed results, relationship with Rick Tocchet

During his end of season media session, Michkov was asked how he would evaluate his season. Michkov laughed and said "no comment."

Michkov then discussed his playoff performance and why he wasn't able to carry over his strong play from the end of the regular seaon. Michkov called it a "good question, while saying that he was trying to help on defense and with anything the coaches wanted him to do. Yet, Michkov knew that he was expected to score.

As for his relationship with Tocchet, which had been under question for fans and media, Michkov said that it was a good work relationship.

It was not the perfect sophomore season for Michkov and far from an ideal first playoff appearance. Michkov is obviously part of the team's plans, especially as part of their young core of players. We'll see how Michkov tackles the offseason and if that will lead to a more consistent third season.

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