Sources Report Matvei Michkov Will Join Flyers in 2024-25 – Hockey Writers – Flyers Prospects
The drama surrounding whether Russian prospect Matvei Michkov will ever become a member of the Philadelphia Flyers has taken a turn for the worse. It’s not official yet, but TSN’s Pierre LeBrun said Michkov’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) club plans to release him. If true, the wait is over—it came two years early.
Michkov was one of the top prospects in the 2023 NHL Draft, but fell to seventh overall to the Flyers largely due to uncertainty over his KHL contract. As he is already under contract for the 2025-26 season in another country, this has alarmed many teams. General manager (GM) Danny Briere and the Flyers took this opportunity and promoted him without this risk.
In Michkov’s 19-year KHL campaign, he had 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 48 games. Among players his age, only Kirill Kaprizov has had more points in league history (42). Finishing 14th in the KHL in points per game despite suffering from pneumonia and being a young player in a high level hockey league says a lot about where his game is. Some pointed to his size as a problem, but he shined regardless.
Related: How Matvei Michkov’s Early NHL Arrival Could Affect the Flyers
Michkov will need some time to adjust to the North American game, but he’s also one of the most talented prospects the Flyers have ever had. He won’t start dominating the NHL right away if he actually gets there in 2024-25, but it may take him a while to become a legitimate superstar. For his age, his offensive instincts surpass anything the Orange and Black have seen in a long time.
