Prospect Info: Round 1, 7th overall: Matvei Michkov, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

[Alex K]

Unfortunately the level of competence of the Russian hockey fans (at least the ones that hang out on websites like sports.ru etc. - that's where I've seen the discussion like that) make the hfboards community look like some high-end experts in comparison.

I think most hfboards and sports.ru posters are at the same level of overreaction

 

[Kshahdoo]

In the game angainst Vityaz in February Michkov took two penalties in a row, one for holding and the other for insulting referees, both PK's resulten in goals against and he wasn't benched for that by Sochi coach. Matvei got his fair share of hate from the fans, the coach was also bashed for cowardness. A lot of fans in Russia think that treating him as a superstar at such young age hurts his personality.

He begged a pardon for his actions, though, and it was the only case when he was penalized for anything like this.

In the game vs Metallurg he provoked Fisenko, who got 2+2, and Sochi scored the game winning goal on PP. Purists would have blamed the kid too for "unsportsmanlike conduct", but he won the game...

And when a 18 year old kid provokes a 33 old veteran for 2+2, it's probably the veteran who should be blamed for his conduct...

 

[Caser]

I think most hfboards and sports.ru posters are at the same level of overreaction

Level of overreaction - yes, level of dumbness - no, sports.ru is more like reddit in that way.

 

[Alex K]

He begged a pardon for his actions, though, and it was the only case when he was penalized for anything like this.

In the game vs Metallurg he provoked Fisenko, who got 2+2, and Sochi scored the game winning goal on PP. Purists would have blamed the kid too for "unsportsmanlike conduct", but he won the game...

And when a 18 year old kid provokes a 33 old veteran for 2+2, it's probably the veteran who should be blamed for his conduct...

I really liked how he handled the media after both those games.

 

[DancingPanther]

In the game angainst Vityaz in February Michkov took two penalties in a row, one for holding and the other for insulting referees, both PK's resulten in goals against and he wasn't benched for that by Sochi coach. Matvei got his fair share of hate from the fans, the coach was also bashed for cowardness. A lot of fans in Russia think that treating him as a superstar at such young age hurts his personality.

Oh noes!

 

[KevinRedkey]

Congratz to Flyers fans on this one. Getting a player of this calibre at 7th is unheard of. He's gonna be a franchise forward. Had him ranked 2nd and is as good as a typical 1st overall pick IMO.

 

[HexyClarke]

I obviously know that, but I don't watch these guys and really haven't paid attention at all these last few seasons because f*** hockey. Someone up there said Michkov could be a better prospect/end up being a better player than Bedard, and it got me thinking about the last time that might have happened to a player with this sort of hype train. I mean the exceptional status player career arc ranges from bust to McDavid. I'm not saying I agree with that post, just got me wondering.

I chose Tavares not as an actual player comp but more of a career impact comp. Great, but not generational. But even so, Tavares still ended up being the best of his class. Other than Flyers legend Ryan Ellis of course.

To me it sounds like he's pretty certainly going to be in the top tier of NHL forwards, but not necessarily a tier of his own. It would just be wild if, after hearing about Bedard since he was 14- a Crosby/McDavid level hype train, Michkov ends up being better than him, and not because Bedard busts. Is this making any sense?

Victor Hedman?

 

[mattihp]

How did he fall to 7th?

 

[Hollywood Cannon]

How did he fall to 7th?

He's Russian, he avoided meeting with teams in some capacity, and he can't come over for three years.

 

[Redpath]

So within a week of Michkov falling to #7 over concerns about his contract:

- We have heard from Frank Seravalli that a buyout of Michkov's contract is possible

- The mutual recognition of NHL/KHL contracts may be called into question due to CSKA signing Fedotov despite his contract with (ironically) the Flyers

I can't help but laugh at seeing Michkov's pre-draft concerns potentially immediately resolve post-draft

 

[Rebels57]

So within a week of Michkov falling to #7 over concerns about his contract:

- We have heard from Frank Seravalli that a buyout of Michkov's contract is possible

- The mutual recognition of NHL/KHL contracts may be called into question due to CSKA signing Fedotov despite his contract with (ironically) the Flyers

I can't help but laugh at seeing Michkov's pre-draft concerns potentially immediately resolve post-draft

That profile picture is a beaut

 

[Striiker]

Imagine if Giroux is still Girouxing when his Ottawa contract is over (two years), so he comes back to Philly now that Fletcher is gone and plays with Michkov.

I'm just asking for one year, Hockey Gods. Please. I've been good.

 

[sa cyred]

He's Russian, he avoided meeting with teams in some capacity, and he can't come over for three years.

Yep.

1) Bedard was going #1 so CHI was out.
2) ANH maybe but they seemed to love Carlsson
3) CLB is trying to win now (see Fantilli signing a contract). They are not going to wait 3 years. They are out.
4) SJS possible. Did he interview with them?
5) MTL possible & honestly who I thought they would take. Wanted the top defender.
6) Michkov didn’t want to even meet with Arizona.

Add the MULTIPLE “he might not even come over” and then the super random few days before “he is a primadona (which are the first reports you hear of that) and he drops.

 

[Alex K]

- The mutual recognition of NHL/KHL contracts may be called into question due to CSKA signing Fedotov despite his contract with (ironically) the Flyers

The KHL refused to registrate his contract with CSKA until they get clarification about his contract status in NHL

 

[Redpath]

The KHL refused to registrate his contract with CSKA until they get clarification about his contract status in NHL

You might know more than I do, but since that initial report of refusal this morning, another report came out claiming that the CSKA contract was proceeding. Now Bill Daly is saying that Fedotov has an NHL contract.

I've been posting the updates in the Fedotov thread.

 

[Zine]

You might know more than I do, but since that initial report of refusal this morning, another report came out claiming that the CSKA contract was proceeding. Now Bill Daly is saying that Fedotov has an NHL contract.

I've been posting the updates in the Fedotov thread.

No they didn't. The new report from Metaratings (who reported the initial signing) says CSKA will announce the signing when they receive all necessary documents from the NHL. They're insinuating CSKA is confident in their stance, but all appropriate procedures are still being followed.
I guess we'll see what happens next.

 

[Embiid]

This is the extended video.

Ironically SKA’s skills coach is a Canadian guy who has worked with many of the Capitals.

Torts is gonna try and censor all of Michkov's skills videos....

Whoever said his skillsets look like that of Bure at times was pretty spot on..

 

[Rich Nixon]

I still can't believe they drafted this kid.

And my Flyer anxiety is basically gonna doubt he ever plays for them until I see him on the ice in the uniform at the start of a regular season game.

But god I hope he does. I was 2 years old when Lindros debuted with the Flyers, I came into hockey consciousness watching an all-time great talent. It's why I'm a fan of the sport, full stop. My daughter will have just turned 4 by the time he's playing in Philly, and that could be a very useful and fun tool for maybe convincing a new little fan.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

I still can't believe they drafted this kid.

And my Flyer anxiety is basically gonna doubt he ever plays for them until I see him on the ice in the uniform at the start of a regular season game.

But god I hope he does. I was 2 years old when Lindros debuted with the Flyers, I came into hockey consciousness watching an all-time great talent. It's why I'm a fan of the sport, full stop. My daughter will have just turned 4 by the time he's playing in Philly, and that could be a very useful and fun tool for maybe convincing a new little fan.

"Daddy, why is that superman surrounded by such dreck?"

 

[ProcessThis]

It still hurts the Flyers never got Giroux and elite left handed shooter. It was such a glaring hole.

 

[Boxscore]

I was 2 years old when Lindros debuted with the Flyers

I was 18 and remember listening to 610 WIP when Larry Bertuzzi awarded him to the Flyers. I remember Eric's first press conference in Philly and I was at his first ever preseason game at the Spectrum vs. the Devils. I remember seeing him warm up and say to myself, "It's been years since the Flyers have had a player this talented."

I have the same level of excitement and anticipation for Michkov as I had for Lindros -- nothing else compares. Not Ricci, not Renberg, not Richards, Carter, Giroux, or Hart. Even with the LeClair & Desjardins trade there wasn't this level of anticipation.

Quite honestly, the last time I was this excited about a Flyers player was when they acquired Forsberg and lastly Pronger.

 

[Flyerfan4life]

I was 18 and remember listening to 610 WIP when Larry Bertuzzi awarded him to the Flyers. I remember Eric's first press conference in Philly and I was at his first ever preseason game at the Spectrum vs. the Devils. I remember seeing him warm up and say to myself, "It's been years since the Flyers have had a player this talented."

I have the same level of excitement and anticipation for Michkov as I had for Lindros -- nothing else compares. Not Ricci, not Renberg, not Richards, Carter, Giroux, or Hart. Even with the LeClair & Desjardins trade there wasn't this level of anticipation.

Quite honestly, the last time I was this excited about a Flyers player was when they acquired Forsberg and lastly Pronger.

you should temper that abit understanding Torts is here and likely to remain..

Michkov vs. Torts could very well be a thing when he arrives as Torts will 100% want to flatten any flair/skill out of his game...

 

[Boxscore]

you should temper that abit understanding Torts is here and likely to remain..

Michkov vs. Torts could very well be a thing when he arrives as Torts will 100% want to flatten any flair/skill out of his game...

I disagree completely. Michkov is a stone cold killer in the offensive zone and hustles. In terms of scoring, he plays with a predatory violence that few do. He attacks the net like it owes him money.

Torts will coach him the way he coaches anyone else -- he'll demand drive, work ethic, and hustle. Michkov will need to tone down trying to score a Michigan every week but I think he'll figure that out during his first preseason when he's facing NHL caliber talent.

Torts isn't a dummy either -- he knows the anticipation for Michkov will be off-the-charts for a fanbase who is rabid for thrills. Torts isn't going to play buzzkill just because.

The difference between players like Michkov and Zegras is everything else that happens before and after flashy goals and in practice. Michkov is nasty.

 

[Appleyard]

Torts is 65 and semi-retired anyway going off the end of last season, not coming to draft, not knowing prospects etc...

By the time Michkov gets here at very most he will be coaching via Ipad link from Fort Myers or Punta Gorda.

 

[Striiker]

Torts is 65 and semi-retired anyway going off the end of last season, not coming to draft, not knowing prospects etc...

By the time Michkov gets here at very most he will be coaching via Ipad link from Fort Myers or Punta Gorda.

These idiots will promote him into an assistant GM role or something similar.