On Tuesday the Flyers top prospect Matvei Michkov landed in America to officially join the Flyers organization. The 19 year old Russian phenom was drafted 7th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. At the time he was signed to a three year contract to play for SKA St Petersburg in the Russian KHL. But after one year while playing on loan to Sochi, where he recorded 19 goals and 22 assists in 47 games, his contract was terminated so he could play in the NHL. Michkov flew from his hometown of Perm Russia to St Petersburg and then the capital in Moscow. Followed by a flight to Dubai before landing at John F Kennedy Airport in New York City. Where members of the Flyers staff including General Manager Danny Briere and President Keith Jones were waiting for the young superstar.
On Wednesday Michkov talked to the media for the first time along with Briere, Jones, and Flyers consultant Slava Kuznetsov as an interpreter. Michkov stated that his main goal is to help the team win and make the playoffs. Briere also stated that Michkov is not to be seen as the team savior stating that they do not want to put that pressure on him. Instead they are planning on building a winning organization around him.
Moving to a foreign country will be a tough adjustment for the young star as he is only able to communicate through a translator right now. But the team is planning on offering him English lessons. As well as bringing his mother and younger brother stateside in time for the season to start. Since Michkov was signed by the Flyers back on July 1st several players have reached out to him offering a warm welcome to the city of brotherly love. Those include follow Russian teammates Ivan Fedotov, and Egor Zamula, along with captain Sean Couturier, and veteran Erik Johnson who has the same agent as Matvei.
During his press conference Michkov mentioned that his father would be proud of this moment. As Michkov’s father passed away a shortly before he was drafted. And it was always his dream for Matvei to play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup.
Cover Image: Heather Cattai