Flyers’ Michkov on bench spat with Seeler: ‘When guys are emotional, this is good’

Dating back to last season, there’s been no shortage of drama around the Philadelphia Flyers and forward Matvei Michkov, and the last couple days have only heightened that intrigue.

During the Flyers’ 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday, Michkov was seen getting into a heated and extended verbal altercation with Philadelphia defenseman Nick Seeler on the bench, complete with Michkov tossing a water bottle in anger while his teammates tried to calm him down.

On Wednesday, Michkov spoke to the media ahead of the Flyers’ road game against the Edmonton Oilers, and downplayed the significance of his shouting match with Seeler.

“This is an emotional game,” Michkov said. “Everybody wants to win. Seels is an emotional guy. Me, too. All the guys are hungry for wins, and on the bench, too. When guys are emotional, this is good. When all the guys are emotional, you know everybody wants to win. But this is good. Before tonight’s game, we sat together at dinner and ate. This is all good.”

The drama around Michkov doesn’t end there, however, as on Tuesday it was reported that he would like to have a fresh start with another team.

Michkov addressed the idea that he wants out of Philadelphia.

“Yeah, you know, I don’t read all the news. I don’t talk in interviews. I need concentration on just tonight’s game, and that’s all,” he said.

He was asked if he’s had conversations with Flyers general manager Daniel Briere or his teammates about the report.

“Danny talked to the whole team. The concentration is just on hockey, and I agree with him,” Michkov said. “I think everybody needs concentration and strong play tonight.”

Michkov, 21, has 10 goals and four assists for 14 points in 20 games this season. He was selected seventh overall by Philadelphia in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.