~7 minutes of highlights from Michkov's first 7 NHL games:
Also shared my thoughts here if anyone's interested:
First Impressions: Matvei Michkov
After reading through this thread, I agree with the Matthew Tkachuk style comp (NZ link-up play from RW and quick-strike playmaking near the goal line). Whiskey's takes align pretty closely with mine. We can debate how much his speed will hold him back long-term, but there's really no denying the puck skills and IQ. Sees the ice like very few young players in the game.
I read the write up with this video you made, very accurate assessment.
He
definitely needs power skating training/muscle building regimen to improve his top speed. As is, with no skating improvement, it is quite safe to say that he can still be an 80-90 pt player in his prime, but with just an uptick in his skating speed/explosiveness, those point totals will rise significantly.
Currently he is at 54th percentile top speed as your write up mentioned....basically average top speed. He needs to get it to 40th percentile (slightly above average top speed). The write up alluded to Kaprizov and Brayden Point's skating improvement, but the list is long for players who improved their skating from their rookie years
Draisatl, Mark Stone, Luc Robitaiile, Couturier, Brink, Horvat.
That's all Michkov needs really and it can be done. I just hope that flyers management puts priority in this to set him up with a dedicated program.