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Russian phenom Matvei Michkov is expected to terminate his KHL contract and continue his career with the Philadelphia Flyers next season, according to insider Jamey Baskow. However, SKA will retain Michkov's exclusive KHL rights until 2026.
Matvei Michkov's NHL rights belong to the Philadelphia Flyers, who picked him seventh overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Michkov has been making waves in the KHL, coming off an impressive season with HC Sochi where he recorded 41 points in 48 games. This feat is the second-highest point total for a U20 player in KHL history, only behind Kirill Kaprizov's 42-point season in 2016-17.
Michkov's scoring prowess has consistently placed him in elite company, surpassing the points-per-game average of notable players like Eeli Tolvanen, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Vladimir Tarasenko during their U19 seasons.
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HC Sochi, a feeder team for SKA, has struggled over the past two seasons, winning only 28 out of 136 games. Despite facing challenges, Michkov has brought a change in raising their goals scored per game from 2.01 to 2.47 throughout his tenure.
While the modest team setting has allowed Michkov to shine as a star player, it has also presented challenges with limited support.
Michkov's international performances have further showcased his exceptional talent. At the 2021 World U-18 Championship, he dominated the competition, recording an astonishing 12 goals and 16 points in just seven games.
More signs point to Matvei Michkov joining the Flyers next season
Michkov recently posted a picture of himself working out while wearing a Flyers Hockey shirt on Instagram, which seems to be hinting at his imminent arrival in Philadelphia.
Adding fuel to the fire, SKA head coach Roman Rosenberg stated (per Hockey News Hub, a reputable Russian source):
"There will be news about Matvei Michkov soon, some legal details remain to be resolved."
This cryptic statement suggests that the young forward's move to the NHL may be closer than initially anticipated.
If Michkov does indeed join the Flyers in June, it would follow a ruling by SKA. Alexander Medvedev, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SKA, told Match TV,
"I think we will talk about all the options, first of all, with him. And we will also talk with the leaders of Philadelphia, with whom we have very good relations. There is understanding, and you will be patient. I think the decision on Michkov will be no later than the end of June."
As the hockey world eagerly awaits official confirmation, all signs seem to point toward Matvei Michkov donning a Flyers jersey next season.
