Because his HC Sochi did not qualify for the 2024 KHL playoffs, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov is done for the season.
Michkov finished his D+1 season with 19 goals, 22 assists, and 41 points in 47 games played, falling just short of the U-20 scoring record set by Kirill Kaprizov.
But, according to his teammate, Michkov and the Flyers have a lot to look forward to.
Sochi forward Artur Tyanulin was highly complimentary of his teammate to Championat, heaping some high praise on the Flyers prospect.
“Michkov is a hungry guy who does not like to lose. He has character,” Tyanulin said. “He loves hockey to the bone; he has a hockey heart, a hockey brain. Matvei does not like to lose — not just in training, anywhere.”
“You won’t please everyone. Some will like you, others won’t,” Tyanulin continued. “The main thing is to continue working; he is a super-talented player.”
“He has a very interesting style. I don’t remember such a scoring instinct; this is the highest level.
He has everything. He is a very talented hockey player. I hope that in the very near future he will play in the NHL.”
The Flyers hope so, too, and if everything goes according to plan, he’ll arrive in Philadelphia in 2026. Michkov is signed to a KHL contract through 2026, tying him down to his homeland for another two full seasons. The earliest Michkov could play for the Flyers would be the 2026-27 season.
Based on the sound of it, the teenage sensation will be an instant hit when he hits North American soil for the first time as an NHL player. Michkov has all the values that will endear him to his teammates, coaching staff, and fans. He has the look of being a true star for the Flyers.
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