RW Matvei Michkov (2023, 7th, PHI) Part 4

[majormajor]

Type better, or get critiqued, your post lacked clarity and your point if that’s what you really meant. If depth players could do that purposely then they would be on most teams top lines and PP1, you’re grasping at straws.

There are plenty of things separating Michkov from a 4th liner, and the decision to shoot for a rebound in that very commonplace situation was not one of them. This isn't complicated.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Type better, or get critiqued, your post lacked clarity and your point if that’s what you really meant. If depth players could do that purposely then they would be on most teams top lines and PP1, you’re grasping at straws.

Are you pretending you’ve never heard the adage “just get it on net”? Thats what it means - shooting off a pad to create a rebound, shooting looking for a deflection/bounce/scramble, etc. It’s a common play taught since peewee.

 

[HeadLiceHatty]

There are plenty of things separating Michkov from a 4th liner, and the decision to shoot for a rebound in that very commonplace situation was not one of them. This isn't complicated.

Most players don't have the IQ to make that specific play work the way it did, you're looking more and more silly. Here's an example, you think the same thing happens when a guy like McDavid rolls into the slot with someone draped on his back vice a common 4th liner? Yeah, no. Michkov when you break down his game down makes really unreal intelligent plays on the fly, thats what makes him great. Really no reason to argue about it further, you're entitled to think as you wish. lol

 

[bud12]

Excited to see him play this season, every team who drafted after Chicago will regret not taking him. Not just the habs. Philly got lucky

 

[deejb]

At the risk of being unpopular, I've finally done a Michkov video. I'm sure there's a zillion out there about his hands and his shooting, so I took a look at his mental game - mainly his playmaking process. I was not completely sold on his playmaking ability in his DY...not that I thought it was bad, I just thought it fell way short of elite. So, I peaked back at his D+1 season and up to this NHL preseason to see what I could identify both good and bad. I also took note of a specific physical aspect of his game that could lend itself to being a real difference maker.

As usual, this is not a highlight video, nor does it necessarily constitute "hype train"...

I usually love this type of video, but this one... I mean, is this some kind of trolling? Why would anyone choose to evaluate Michkov's hockey sense by his play for Kapitan Stupino? It was a part-time gig in MHL, mostly pointless, after a great season against adults. Temporary in every means, he didn't even wear his usual number 39. New coach, unfamiliar partners two levels below. Nevertheless, he single-handedly led them to the PO, but there was no chance after that. Yes, he played absolutely the "wrong" kind of hockey there. If you send Kucherov to ECHL now, you could probably also make a clip about the selfish Russian winger.
Regarding pre-season games. I didn't see anything in this clip that would indicate a lack of hockey sense (and you left a bunch of great passes off-screen).

 

[Kshahdoo]

 

[Dr Jablonski PhD]

There are quite a few people in here saying the same thing. I don't quite recall this happening for another prospect of this perceived caliber. Some are doing a better job of identifying what he does well and what he doesn't... like... the passing and vision is undoubtedly his best quality

But .. the smoke and fire connection is made for a reason. Maybe we shouldn't expect this kid to be Kucherov

 

[Fatass]

There are quite a few people in here saying the same thing. I don't quite recall this happening for another prospect of this caliber. Some are doing a better job of identifying what he does well and what he doesn't... like... the passing and vision is undoubtedly his best quality

But .. the smoke and fire connection is made for a reason. Maybe we shouldn't expect this kid to be Kucherov

Michkov is a lot like Kooch and all the guys who have unbelievable hockey sense. He sees the ice two steps ahead of the other players. He will need better talent around him though, that’s for sure. Flyers guys need to keep their sticks on the ice and go to the net when Michkov gets the puck. He’s going to find them, especially when no one else thinks he could.

 

[Nogatco Rd]

will this be the meltiest prospect thread of the 24-25 season? Early returns say yes

 

[HeadLiceHatty]

will this be the meltiest prospect thread of the 24-25 season? Early returns say yes

Probably, the craziest part is no one is forced to be here.

 

[Winston Wolf]

If you watch closely at 4:50, you can tell he's a locker room cancer and that all of his teammates hate him.

 

[Acallabeth]

Maybe we shouldn't expect this kid to be Kucherov

Did you expect 19-yo Kucherov to be The Kucherov?

If you watch closely at 4:50, you can tell he's a locker room cancer and that all of his teammates hate him.

His teammates almost beat him up because the shot he had scored dat OT winner on was so soft

 

[WADEugottaBELAKthat]

Did you expect 19-yo Kucherov to be The Kucherov?

His teammates almost beat him up because the shot he had scored dat OT winner on was so soft

19-year old Kuch got shipped out of Quebec by Patty Roy in favour of Grigorenko. Nobody had Kuch pegged for what he has become!

 

[Kshahdoo]

I'm pretty sure Michkov will become as good as Michkov i.e. very, very good.

 

[Dr Jablonski PhD]

obviously the 19yo Michkov will not be Kuch

 

[Hockeypete49]

Matvei is a rink rat and I cannot believe how fast he is learning the language. His mother and brother here staying with him is a big plus. He is already a team and fan favorite here. I haven't been this excited about a player since 88 got here. Let the games begin.

 

[Fight4yourRight]

Ok, so I'm no longer a troll or a dunce? That was quick haha

Anyhow...I'm still not sure what this buzzword "generational IQ" is ("you wouldn't!") but the whole "everyone sees it but (me)" thing is an odd claim...

HockeyProspect, Hockey Sense = 7 (of 9)
"To start, Michkov’s playmaking isn’t at the same level as some of the other top end prospects in this class."

...
"
He’s a gifted shooter but we wouldn’t label him a dynamic or even exceptional playmaker. He struggles to recognize weakside options or the highest percentage option in transition when comparing him to the other star players available, and his leading passes and overall passing trajectory leave him on the outside looking in compared to the high-end playmakers in this class."

(For the record, I did not write that in full or in part)

--

EliteProspects, Hockey Sense = 8, Passing = 7
Sportsnet, Hockey Sense = 7 (of 10) [they also called his explosivity an 8/10, so nevermind]
THN: " He was playing hero hockey and ignoring open passing opportunities and finding himself in bad spots. "

Team scouts gushed about his shot and scoring ability much more than his playmaking. One told me, (paraphrasing) "Kucherov, except Kucherov is a passer" - but he liked Michkov a lot, of course.

It's the "generational IQ" thing that's unique, right? And I'm not looking for anyone to strive for consensus. Consensus is for losers, so I don't say that to try to ad populum you into anything...but in exchange, I don't need to be handed that "everyone but you has always said, he's a boy genius!"

I'm not going to list every player and prospect that has a higher IQ...I listed quite a few back when I was asked.

I'm not sure what the beef is with Demidov in this thread? I guess there's a pissing match of sorts? I made a video for Demidov a couple months ago. I like him a lot...that might renew the application on my cone-shaped cap though...

Look, I'm not here to change your mind. I'll have the conversation if there's a conversation to be had...but my desire to try to trade "internet gotchas" is pretty fleeting haha

All we are saying…. is don’t quit your day job, Michael.

 

[Agent Zuuuub]

Hockey sense and passing being seen as a weak point for Michkov is one of the wildest things written on this forum.

 

[Boxscore]

Hockey sense and passing being seen as a weak point for Michkov is one of the wildest things written on this forum.

Agree 100%. Both are top weapons in his robust offensive arsenal.

 

[Kshahdoo]

 

[MrGuyPerson]

Probably makes more sense to continue this conversation here...

It's not so much a philosophy as it is just the definition. At its root, hockey IQ is anticipation. Now, there's a lot of things that make that up. As I show in the video, we have playmaking process and vision, there's spatial awareness, there's off-puck play like getting open offensively, positional integrity defensively, risk mitigation, etc. etc.

I don't think what you're saying is rude by any means, but there are certain aspects of Michkov's hockey sense make-up that are not as strong as others - which I point out in that video. I think an area where he's really good is his proprioceptive system - you can see that in his (what I call) "automatic puck protection" mechanism. You can also see his anticipation shine through in terms of anticipating goalie movement. This is a player that will be comfortable shooting at where hips were on a goalie, for instance, which is sort of the new wave, the new shooting advent.

So, there are a bunch of different factors that make it up. He has an interesting blend of mental game. It will almost certainly make him a shooter/goal scorer more than a playmaker or balanced attacker. Not that there's anything wrong with that...

##

Elite IQ prospects? Buium, Demidov is really high up there when you look at the tape, Leo Carlsson is up there, Gabe Perreault is elite in this perspective. There's a number of them.

I'm actually a little surprised that it's the hockey sense (which is good, he's not dumb by any stretch) that folks get hung up on with Michkov. The general thought is among scouts that I talked to about him was about in this range too.

I like your answer overall, but I disagree with your assessment. I think IQ is more than just anticipation which is why I break it into two parts. Anticipation and Reaction. Anticipation is essentially planning and if done at the highest level you can operate a step or 2 ahead. Anticipation is a huge part of IQ and it is what the greatest hockey minds do at the highest level, but intelligent reactions are very close in importance. If you react intelligently, new unplanned for openings can be identified that can impact anticipation. You start at plan A, but pivot to plan B based on opportunity. I started to list examples from preseason of how Michkov anticipates to at a freak level, but it started becoming an essay and I don't feel like putting you or anyone else through that.

I respect that you are putting in the work which is more than most so I will give your video a view, but we do see things differently. Nothing wrong with that, people should always draw their own conclusion if possible. During/after the season we should should be able to evaluate whose assement was correct and as I am not paid to evaluate prospects, seeing who is correct is really the only fun part of evaluating prospects for me

Also, I agree about Carlsson. He is one of the highest IQ prospects I've graded since I started reviewing prospects. I agree with Buium too, but I don't evaluate defenseman IQs the same way as I do forwards. Rather than anticipation and reaction I break defenseman IQs into Offensive and Denfensive IQ. Demidov and Perreault I sort of agree with. I agree in that I would rate their IQs as good, but I disagree in that I wouldn't grade eithers IQ as elite.

 

[ItWasJustified]

If you watch closely at 4:50, you can tell he's a locker room cancer and that all of his teammates hate him.

Definitely. They all hit him the head, trying to give him a concussion.

 

[Fantomas]

Hockey sense and passing being seen as a weak point for Michkov is one of the wildest things written on this forum.

Consider the source

 

[SaSaShi]

I like your answer overall, but I disagree with your assessment. I think IQ is more than just anticipation which is why I break it into two parts. Anticipation and Reaction. Anticipation is essentially planning and if done at the highest level you can operate a step or 2 ahead. Anticipation is a huge part of IQ and it is what the greatest hockey minds do at the highest level, but intelligent reactions are very close in importance. If you react intelligently, new unplanned for openings can be identified that can impact anticipation. You start at plan A, but pivot to plan B based on opportunity. I started to list examples from preseason of how Michkov anticipates to at a freak level, but it started becoming an essay and I don't feel like putting you or anyone else through that.

I respect that you are putting in the work which is more than most so I will give your video a view, but we do see things differently. Nothing wrong with that, people should always draw their own conclusion if possible. During/after the season we should should be able to evaluate whose assement was correct and as I am not paid to evaluate prospects, seeing who is correct is really the only fun part of evaluating prospects for me

Also, I agree about Carlsson. He is one of the highest IQ prospects I've graded since I started reviewing prospects. I agree with Buium too, but I don't evaluate defenseman IQs the same way as I do forwards. Rather than anticipation and reaction I break defenseman IQs into Offensive and Denfensive IQ. Demidov and Perreault I sort of agree with. I agree in that I would rate their IQs as good, but I disagree in that I wouldn't grade eithers IQ as elite.

Please do share your essay on michkov from the preseason. Would like to get in depth analysis. Thanks

 

[Intangir]

Let me preface this post by saying that I've watched all preseason games of Michkov's, I've watched all his KHL games his draft year (was really mad that my team passed on him then), a couple MHL games of his in his D-2, basically all of his U18/international games, and a lot of his KHL games last year even when he was drafted by Philly since despite that he still is one of my favorite prospects to watch play and I watch a ton of Hockey (one of my main pastimes).

All of which to say that I know for a fact that Michkov certainly won't often beat NHL players with pure speed, and that he neither will he do so with power, or reach. Those are not strengths of his, fo' sure.

But with all due respect, those saying that his hockey sense/playmaking are a potential flaw really need to watch more closely.

Watch full games of Michkov's and you just start seeing the little connecting plays that he consistently makes; bracing for impact and then changing stick angles/body position to better shield the puck and retain possession, the little fakes that he uses which buy him just enough time to rip a shot past a goalie using cover or thread a highly-precise pass to a teammate, the kind of subtle plays that drive both puck-possession and offense and actually are signs of sky-high Hockey IQ.

So yeah, as the NHL enters the regular season and defenders start playing for keeps Michkov will get more tightly checked, he will have a harder time separating himself from coverage along the boards. And once teams/players have a certain handle on his tendencies it will be harder for him to do what he does.

Though it likely won't be painless, and I actually expect some more struggles than people might think, ultimately I think Michkov will adapt and thrive offensively, like he always has so far no matter the level he played at.

And then he will just let his elite skill level, elite arsenal of shots, his drive, and yes, borderline elite vision/IQ speak, and be a real pain to try and shut down.

Oh, and his progression defensively from his D-1 to now has been nothing short of "meteoric" defensively-speaking, as he's started showing more grit in board battles, much more alacrity back-checking, and has learned to better position himself to break-up passing lanes, which he used to be terrible at before and now would still be a bit weak compared to checking players but at least close to NHL-average.

And that off-puck progression is another pretty clear positive sign (one of many) for Michkov, one that speaks of introspective abilities and the effort/passion/humbleness required to remedy those same weaknesses.

In short, the strides that Michkov seems to have made each year so far demonstrate his passion for the game and exhibit some very real character on his part that should normally, alongside positive interactions with his teammates, if not outright stop then at least help moderate all of the "poor character" rumors surrounding him.

But no, that would of course be too sensible of an approach and totally unsuited for the chaotic and entertaining mess that is HfBoards.

Small rant aside, even if Michkov will never be the fastest, tallest or the strongest on the ice I am pretty sure he will be a very good NHLer for Philadelphia, and a potential star-in-the-making for them offensively.