The Philadelphia Flyers are in rebuilding mode, which helps them wait a bit for Matvei Michkov, who must complete his contract in Russia.
The Flyers picked the Russian right-winger seventh overall.
Michkov was not the first Russian selected. It was defender Dmitry Simashev who was picked sixth by Arizona, although Michkov is considered the best Russian prospect since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2005.
Today, the Flyers have no choice but to be patient after the team selected a Russian in the first round for the third time in team history.
“We can’t wait to get the answer ourselves,” general manager Daniel Briere said of when Michkov will play in Philadelphia.
” It’s like that. We know he has a contract for three more seasons (in KHL). But for us, after seeing him play and meeting him, we thought he was a talent we couldn’t pass up and if we had to wait, we would wait. »
Especially if this choice turns into what Brière hopes for.
“We hope it will be a home run. The future will tell. It’s still a bit early. But we think when he’s ready he can really make a difference. And that’s the risk we were ready to take, to wait a bit, to hope for a player who will make the difference. »
The 18-year-old forward from Perm, Russia, played for Sochi in the KHL, and is under contract with St. Petersburg until the 2025-26 season. He was considered the second international skater behind Sweden’s Leo Carlsson, who was chosen second overall by Anaheim.
Michkov demonstrates the speed and game vision that could make him an NHL star. In any case, he convinced the Flyers to be patient.
“He wanted to be part of the Flyers,” added Briere. We saw it on stage. His reaction was amazing. He convinced us during the meeting that he wanted to be there and that he wanted to be a member of the Flyers. Our team felt very good choosing him. »
A translator who spoke on behalf of the Russian said Michkov expected to reward the patience of the Flyers and their fans.
“You will see everything on the ice,” said the translator. Maybe everyone will have to wait a bit, but when Matvei hits the ice, everyone will see that the wait was worth it. »
Michkov scored 20 points in 27 games after being loaned to Sochi on Dec. 20. He started last season moving between KHL and Division II teams St. Petersburg.
In the 2021–22 playoffs for SKA Saint Petersburg junior team, he scored 13 goals in 17 games, a playoff high. He also won a silver medal and was the best player at the 2021 World Under-18 Championships, where he led all players with 12 goals and 16 points in seven games.
Briere admitted the team made it clear to fans that their relaunch would take time.
“He’s a clear example of that,” Brière said of Michkov.