Matvei Michkov’s ego playing a bigger role in drama than some might think

Nov 11, 2026, 13:00 EST

Michkov reportedly wants out of Philadelphia.

Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Trade requests have become apparently become all the rage in the NHL. Since the end of last season, forwards Brady Tkachuk, Dylan Larkin, Nikita Kucherov, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck all asked to be moved to a new team. Tkachuk and Hellebuyck have since been granted their wish, Larkin is currently sitting out as he waits to be dealt, while Kucherov continues to play despite his desire to be elsewhere.

On Tuesday, another player hopped on the trend of wanting to be traded. As first reported by Kevin Weekes, Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov would like to play somewhere else. Michkov, who was selected seventh overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, had a tumultuous season under head coach Rick Tocchet last year, and is now eyeing his exit from Philadelphia.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Tyler Yaremchuk and Steve Peters discussed the report of Michkov wanting out of Philadelphia.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Were you surprised at all to see that Kevin Weekes report coming down the pike yesterday?

Steve Peters: There’s a couple things I’ve got to say. Was I surprised about the comments? No. Clearly there are problems in the Philadelphia Flyer locker room. What originated that or where they are stemming from, I don’t know, I’m not in the room. That’s difficult for me to say. But is this a problem? Yes. The Flyers went out on a limb when they drafted him. Let’s face it, this was a player that was ranked near the top of the draft, but there were character issues and they were known then. Even Elliotte Friedman said it was nearly impossible for teams to get pre-draft interviews with Michkov because he was so arrogant and his ego was so difficult, teams couldn’t even talk to him. So many people said the red flags about his attitude, demeanor, he’s arrogant, he’s a difficult teammate. So many teams stayed away from him. I talked to a general manager prior to that draft who said “No chance he’s on our list. We don’t need a player like that in our room.”

Then it comes to, what is that balance for a good player that can help you win to a guy that maybe doesn’t help your locker room. It’s happened before. Claude Lemieux, the dude wasn’t liked, but did you want him on your team? Tom Barrasso, you know what his nickname was. Guys didn’t like him, but guess what? He won. So, you need to get over that if he’s going to help you win. The problem with Philadelphia right now, is you have a youngster who’s 21 who has not nearly reached what his potential is in this league, asking for a trade. I don’t think it happens. I think it’s going to be short term, they’ll get over it, he’ll keep playing. I don’t think the Flyers can afford to give up on Matvei Michkov right now?