Why the Flyers believe the Matvei Michkov bounce-back will happen
It was hard to find a more polarizing story regarding the Philadelphia Flyers last season than Matvei Michkov. The seventh-overall pick in 2023, Michkov struggled for much of his sophomore season, finding himself in head coach Rick Tocchet’s doghouse routinely (including sitting the last game of the playoffs versus the Carolina Hurricanes) and finished the regular season with 20 goals and 51 points in 81 games.
All eyes were on the 21-year-old winger entering camp this season – and so far, so good.
Noticeably leaner and reportedly down up to 30 pounds since last year around this time, Michkov has impressed the Flyers’ brass, per sources, looking markedly faster on the ice and bringing his ever-high compete level. Much was made of Michkov’s conditioning last season, making his improved physical shape a welcome sight thus far.
Michkov’s rollercoaster narrative hijacked the Flyers’ season at times last year, with a lot of fan and media attention focusing on the Russian’s relationship with Tocchet and his subsequent usage. With last season now in the rearview mirror, Michkov’s initial showing at training camp has given optimism for this season.
An ultra-competitive player, Michkov has handled the pressure (both good and bad) tied to him exceptionally, per sources. Though a negative at times, Michkov’s compete level and desire to be the best player he can be proved to be fuel and motivation for him during the summer to come into camp in better shape.
Michkov has been paired with 2023 third-round pick Denver Barkey during the preseason, the latter of whom is being tried out at center after being a left winger for much of his career. According to a team source, Barley’s hockey IQ has complemented Michkov well thus far; the former’s defense has also been noticed (in a good way). It should also be noted that the duo being the same age is something that benefits Michkov, especially after spending much of last season with veteran players, per team sources.
Unlike past seasons, not all the limelight will be on Michkov from the fans and media. The aforementioned Barkey will start the year in the NHL, assuming the injury that knocked him out of Monday’s preseason contest isn’t serious; 2025 first-round pick Porter Martone is set to play his rookie season; Tyson Foerster (fresh off of a lengthy-contract extension) will be back healthy; 2022 sixth-overall pick David Jiricek will look for a redemption season on defense. There will be a lot of internal competition for Michkov to stand out among his compatriots – from the media and the coaching staff.
But unlike the rest, Michkov possesses a certain skillset that many of his teammates don’t. Like Tocchet alluded to during the initial days of training camp, Michkov’s ability to protect the puck is similar to that of Jaromir Jagr. Yes, it is important not to get carried away with expectations, but it is clear that Michkov’s game is unique compare to what the rest of the Flyers’ lineup has. Now in better shape and ready to prove last season was an outlier, it will be fascinating to see what Michkov can bring this season.
As he enters the final season of his ELC contract, all eyes will be on Michkov and whether he can have a bounce-back season. It is far too early to project what his next contract may look like, but after a historic financial summer in the NHL that changed the contractual landscape for younger players, it is hard to imagine Michkov not seeing the extension that fellow-2023 first-round pick Ryan Leonard got and not licking his chops. The hope of landing a big day day should only serve as further motivation for Michkov to silence his critics.
More changes coming for the Red Wings
On the heels of naming Shawn Horcoff interim general manager, it sounds like the Detroit Red Wings are gearing up for more internal changes.
According to a team source, the Red Wings are going to announce more changes to their front office “later on” this season. While some of the specifics are unclear, Daily Faceoff was told from a team source that Horcoff will no longer be running the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins; he previously served as the club’s GM in addition to his role as an AGM for the Red Wings.
The team source did not confirm who the replacement is for the 48-year-old Horcoff, who has spent his entire managerial career with the Red Wings. Speaking to several league sources it was indicated to DFO that there is a belief that Dan Cleary is now running the team in Grand Rapids. Cleary, 47, officially holds the title of assistant director of player development with the Red Wings.
The Red Wings announced the removal of Steve Yzerman as GM back in July. Yzerman now serves as the senior advisor to the governor and CEO.
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