After speculations earlier this summer it is now official that Matvei Michkov will be joining the Flyers for the 2024-25 season. Michkov was the best Russia prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft and easily could have been a top five draft pick. But due to the fact that he was under contract to remain in the Russian KHL for three more season Michkov fell to seventh overall when the Flyers took him.
Today Michkov’s KHL team SKA St Petersburg released the following statement on his behave.
“Matvei Michkov: – After much thought, I decided to try my hand at NHL. I would like to say a huge thank you to the SKA management for being cooperative in this matter. I immediately outlined my position that I want to play in the KHL only for SKA – no exchanges or loans. I will make my way to the NHL, but if I return to the KHL, I will only play in St. Petersburg. The decision was not easy, but I feel it was the right one: I am full of strength and desire to prove that I am worthy of playing there. In addition, this was my father’s long-time dream: he really wanted to see my debut in the NHL, and for me it is extremely important to take this step, also for his sake. I’m sure he would support me in this. Thanks to Roman Borisovich Rotenberg for believing in me, inviting me to SKA, giving me every opportunity to develop and improve my game. Thanks to all the coaches, players, staff with whom I worked, played and won here. And, of course, thanks to our fans. I’m sure we’ll meet again. See you, St. Petersburg”!
In the quote Michkov mentioned that his father dreamed of his son playing in the NHL. He died unexpectedly at the age of 51 a few months before the draft in April of 2023.
Flyers General Manager Danny Briere released the following statement today.
“The Philadelphia Flyers were informed earlier today of Matvei Michkov’s release from his KHL contract with SKA Hockey Club. We are certainly excited to learn of his news and look forward to reconnecting with Matvei’s representatives in the coming days. Additionally, we are appreciative of SKA Saint Petersburg for allowing Matvei Michkov to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL.”
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nathan Harding
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