Flyers’ Michkov feels lighter, faster heading into third NHL season

The Philadelphia Flyers are coming off a surprisingly excellent season as they clawed their way into the Stanley Cup Playoffs and made some noise once there, knocking their fierce in-state rival Pittsburgh Penguins out in the first round.

If the Flyers are going to build on their growth from a year ago and continue to progress toward Stanley Cup contention, they’re going to need to see improvement from some of their important young core pieces, most notably winger Matvei Michkov.

Michkov saw his production dip in his second NHL season from a 63-point effort as a rookie in 2024-25 to just 51 points last year with his average time on ice per game decreasing by nearly two full minutes under head coach Rick Tocchet.

Between poor defensive results and lingering questions about his fitness, it was a rough second year for Michkov, who the Flyers chose with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

On Thursday, Michkov addressed the media at Flyers training camp to lay out his mindset as he enters a crucial season, one that marks the end of his entry-level contract.

“I feel lighter right now, more speed,” Michkov said. “This is hard work too. But I eat good food, no fast food, no sugar. Maybe a little bit on the day off – I like chocolate. But just on the day off.”

Michkov was never known for his speed, but according to NHL Edge data, his top-end speed did take a dip from 21.91 miles per hour in his rookie year to 21.49 this past season.

“I want to play better for the Flyers,” he added. I need to support everybody who play for the Flyers… I like to play in the playoffs. This is so good, so emotional. But step-by-step. We win first round, we need hard work and then the second is next.”

Michkov and the Flyers are set to take on the Penguins at home in their season opener on September 30.