Matvei Michkov: Everything you need to know about Russian sensation

Matvei Michkov is the next Russian sensation and the hottest European name in the NHL entry draft.

Michkov has been soaring up draft boards ahead of the NHL entry draft in June. His loan to KHL’s last-place Sochi has paid huge dividends, as Michkov has shown off his elite talent this season.

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Three skills NHL fans can expect to translate for Matvei Michkov

What separates Matvei Michkov from the rest of the pack? What can NHL fans expect from Michkov as he looks poised for his NHL debut? Here are three such skilss:

#1 Game-Breaking Skill

One typical talent of players coming out of Russia is their elite, game-breaking skill. From Kirill Kaprizov for the Minnesota Wild to Artemi Panerin of the New York Rangers, Russian prospects have had the knack of standing out due to their electric playmaking and creativity on the ice. Michkov is no different.

Already in the 2022-23 KHL season, since being sold to Sochi, Michkov has had 13 points in 21 games. In his final season of junior hockey in Russia, Michkov scored 70 goals in 26 games. He did that when he was just 14.

#2 Hard on the puck

Russian skaters are usually also branded for their toughness, both on and off the puck, which includes Michkov. Although the forward doesn’t have the same size as Alex Ovechkin, he doesn't lack in tenacity. Once Michkov has the puck on his stick, it’s difficult to get it off.

"He may look small, but he’s not easy to knock over, and he doesn’t shy away from physical battles. He has the potential to be a game-breaking talent, but there are some question marks around other areas of his game." - Gray Matter - Smaht Scouting - Nov. 25th:

#3 The “Wild Card of the Wild Cards”

Matvei Michkov has been labeled “the best Russian prospect to come since Alex Ovechkin”. That’s pretty high praise, and the uncertainty about translating his skills to the next level would be just the same as the Great Eight had in 2004.

Some of that uncertainty comes due to Michkov's size. At only 5’ 10”, 172 lbs, Michkov will have to bulk up to play in the NHL, but his speed and tenacity should all but make up for it.

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Overall, Matvei Michkov is an elite prospect with finishing prowess, ability to read the game at another level, and a tough-as-nails forward who doesn’t turn over the puck easily.

With all the hype around Connor Bedard, Michkov might be an underrated and pick for a team looking for a franchise player to build around. Teams like the San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks should be licking their chops.