For the last week, the story surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers hasn't been their poor start to the season or that they have the fewest regulation wins of any team in the Metropolitan Division. Instead, it's been about Matvei Michkov.
On Monday night, Michkov and his Flyers teammate Nick Seeler got into an argument during their game against the Vancouver Canucks. Then, on Tuesday, Kevin Weekes reported that Michkov was looking to leave the Flyers. But as soon as that was announced, the Flyers front office responded, saying that they were shocked to hear from Weekes about the trade request.
Since the conflicting announcements were made, many journalists have dug into what possibly could be going on. Elliotte Friedman reported that he thought Weekes had heard directly from Michkov about his issues with the Flyers and had used that to report the idea of him wanting to be traded. Emily Kaplan, who originally refuted the Weekes report, said that she thinks there is probably some truth to the rumors, if they got out, and that someone likely had an agenda in getting that report out there. Finally, Friedman confirmed that he's heard there is conflict between Michkov and his teammates, which could also have led to the trade rumors.
Regardless of what the situation was that led to this Weekes report, the Flyers can't afford to lose Michkov. The best way to put all of these rumors and conflict to rest? Sign Michkov to a long-term deal.
The Flyers need Michkov now and long term
Last season, it may have been easier for the Flyers to think about moving Michkov. He was third in points on the team, but Konecny and Zegras were also having great seasons, so he flew a bit under the radar. This year, however, Michkov is one of the only bright spots in a dismal start to the season for the Flyers.
He leads the team in goals and assists, plus a bunch of other key stats, including even-strength and power-play goals, as well as shooting percentage. At just 22 games played, he's already scored half of his goal total from last year when he played 80.
When very few things have been going well for a team nearly a quarter of the way into the season, it's important for them to lock down the parts that are working.
Michkov needs a new deal
The best incentive to keep a good player on your team? Offer him a great contract. Michkov is in the final year of his entry-level contract. He'll be a restricted free agent after this season, which is good for the Flyers, who can determine where he'll end up if they don't sign him. However, a good show of faith that they are interested in keeping Michkov long-term would be to sign him in the next couple of months. It would also put any of these trade rumors to rest.
Sure, there are other things they could do for Michkov, like prioritize him over the coach or look to move players who have conflicted with him. But the easiest thing would be to show him and the fans that he's an important piece of the Flyers' future.
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