Top Flyers Prospect Michkov On The Move

We're already starting to see why Matvei Michkov—who some called the second-best talent in this year's NHL Draft—slipped to No. 7 for the Philadelphia Flyers. His three-year commitment to playing in Russia before he can head State-side has already been proving to be a thorny situation — just four games in. 

Michkov was a healthy scratch for three of his first four games with SKA St. Petersburg, and was practically nailed to the bench in the one game he did play, getting on the ice for just six minutes. 

Now, SKA is loaning him once again to one of the dregs of the KHL, HK Sochi. The St. Petersburg club did the same thing last season, and Michkov registered 20 points in 27 games for the lowly club. 

Matvei Michkov is reportedly being loaned to HC Sochi from SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL 👀 pic.twitter.com/EMsygPh5mH

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 11, 2023

This, of course, is very good news for the Flyers, as Michkov will get substantial playing and development time with Sochi. He played nearly 16 minutes per night last season with the club.

SKA St. Petersburg head coach Roman Rotenberg was going to continue playing the veterans ahead of Michkov, regardless of his NHL prospect status.

Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports