Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Matvei Michkov’s first NHL season had plenty of bright spots — 60 points, flashes of brilliance, and a growing presence in the Philadelphia Flyers locker room. But what lingers most isn’t a highlight-reel goal or a Calder Trophy nomination. It’s the personal growth that came with navigating the NHL spotlight, learning from John Tortorella, and becoming a steady voice for fellow Russian Ivan Demidov.
Michkov didn’t shy away from admitting disappointment at missing the Calder shortlist, but he owns it. Instead, he’s using it as fuel, praising players like Lane Hutson — whom he’s watched since the Winter Youth Olympics — and focusing on turning personal lessons into team success.
In this exclusive Q&A with RG, Michkov reflects on his rookie year, his evolving mindset, and the lessons he’s carrying into his second season. From leadership goals to language barriers, and from missed chances to quiet gratitude, this is Michkov in his own words — honest, hungry, and unfiltered.
How would you evaluate your first NHL season? You had 60 points and played with a lot of energy.
“I think it was a great season. But I really want our team to make the playoffs every year and fight for the Stanley Cup.”
Did you set any personal goals, like a certain number of points or making the Calder Trophy shortlist?
“Of course, I feel I could’ve scored more points and played better in some moments — there were plenty of chances that I didn’t finish. I didn’t have any specific numbers in mind before the season started, because I didn’t know what to expect. New country, new people. My main goal was to show what I can do and enjoy every game. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn’t. But now my focus is to train well in the offseason, get stronger, and help the team make the playoffs. That’s our main goal.”
What was the hardest part about moving to the NHL? Many Russian players say playing defense is the toughest adjustment. Was it the same for you?
“Yes, that’s true. If you don’t play solid defense, it’s hard to succeed in the NHL. Hockey is a team game. The better you defend, the more chances you’ll get on offense. That’s something I’m working on.”
You and Ivan Demidov talk a lot. Did you discuss first impressions of the NHL?
“Yeah, we talked about it. Vanya had a strong first game. I congratulated him right after. Then he played in the playoffs — not for long, but that experience will help him a lot in the future.”
Do you agree that he has a big future in the NHL?
“Definitely. He has huge potential. If he keeps working in the right direction, everything will work out. The most important thing is to stay healthy. We’ll support him all the way. He’s a skilled, fast, and talented player. He can make plays and score goals. He has everything to become a superstar in this league.”
The Flyers parted ways with John Tortorella. He said he got a million messages but yours meant the most. How do you look back on your time with him?
“For my first NHL season, Tortorella was probably the best coach I could’ve had. From day one, he explained everything clearly and was always honest with me. Sure, sometimes we disagreed or even argued — that’s normal.
But we always talked things out face to face. We had a great relationship, and I’m very grateful for what he taught me.”
What did you write in your message to him?
“I just wrote that he was my first NHL coach and that I’ll never forget him. I thanked him for always being honest with me. Nothing special — just what I truly felt.”
He said you had weekly one-on-one talks. What did you discuss? Did he share “NHL secrets”?
“Not really secrets. More like advice — what to do, what not to do, how to behave in different situations. He told me: “I know you’re a fiery guy. I like that. You play with passion. I’m the same way. Sometimes that means we clash.” But off the ice, he’s very calm — and so am I. We’d talk for 15 or even 30 minutes sometimes. I found those conversations really helpful.”
The Flyers announced that Rick Tocchet will be the new head coach…
“A new coach always means a fresh start. I don’t know him personally, so I can’t say much yet. The main thing is that the team improves and makes the playoffs. I just hope I’ll have freedom on the ice. When I feel limited, I start focusing on the wrong things.”
In what way do you not want to be limited?
“I just want to have ice time and not feel restricted. That’s when I play my best. But honestly, I’ll do whatever the coach says. The most important thing is for the team to reach the playoffs. If I have fewer points but the team makes it, I’ll take that over having more points and missing the playoffs. I’m tired of losing. I want to win.”
What was your favorite moment of the season?
“Probably the home game against Montreal. I almost got a hat trick but hit the post. I was flying that night. But honestly, I’m joking — the most special moment was scoring my first NHL goal.”
Who did you become closest to on the team? Who did you go to dinner with?
“I mostly hung out with the Russian guys, but the Swedes were great too. In general, the European players stuck together for dinners and stuff. But overall, we had a close group — everyone could chat and spend time together.”
How did you adjust to the new culture? How’s your English coming along?
“I can explain myself in English. At first, it was tough, but it gets easier. In the locker room, I try to speak only in English and understand everything that’s going on. When you’re surrounded by the language, you have no choice but to adapt.”
Were you upset you didn’t make the Calder Trophy finalists?
“I’m not sure. I guess I should’ve played better so there’d be no doubt who the best rookie was. But it is what it is. It won’t change how I approach things.”
Did you follow the other rookies during the season?
“Sometimes. I didn’t follow them closely, but the media talked about it a lot, so it was impossible to ignore. Lane Hutson had a really strong season. He scored a lot and was great on the power play. I really like his game. I actually saw him back in 2020 at the Winter Youth Olympics. I told Ivan Miroshnichenko at the time, “Watch that guy — he’s going to make it.” And now he’s playing the same way in the NHL. I’m happy for him. Montreal fans are lucky to have him.”
Do you have goals for your second season?
“Yes — make the playoffs first. Then try to win the Stanley Cup. Personally, I’m not setting any specific numbers. The only goal I have is a team goal, and I’ll do everything I can to reach it.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would’ve done differently a year ago?
“Honestly, I’d do everything the same. Hockey is hockey. The only difference is that now I’ve learned to stay calmer. When you’re calm, things start to go your way — your game, your life. When I was younger, I couldn’t always control my emotions. I wasted too much energy. That’s the only thing I’d change. Even though it’s hard to stay calm all the time, that’s what I’m working on.”
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
