Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Matvei Michkov entered the NHL with the weight of sky-high expectations and the intrigue that surrounds any elite prospect from overseas. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new league, a new country, and a new culture, Michkov delivered a standout rookie campaign.
The Philadelphia Flyers forward put up 60 points in his debut season — an impressive total that placed him firmly in the Calder Trophy conversation throughout the season and gave Flyers fans a reason to believe in the future.
But Michkov himself is more focused on what comes next.
“I think it was a great season,” said Michkov in a one-on-one interview with RG. “But I really want our team to make the playoffs every year and fight for the Stanley Cup.”
His drive isn’t just about putting up numbers. While fans marveled at his highlight-reel goals and flashy skill set, Michkov measured his year differently — not just by the points, but by his growth and commitment to the team. In many ways, it was a season of learning, testing limits, and building trust.
That mindset helped him stay grounded through the highs and lows of his rookie campaign. Michkov wasn’t chasing headlines — he was chasing progress. Each game was a new opportunity to adapt, to absorb, and to refine the details of his play. Whether it was adjusting to the smaller ice, battling along the boards, or learning how to create time and space against the league’s best defenders, he approached it all with patience and purpose.
“Now my focus is to train well in the offseason, get stronger, and help the team make the playoffs,” said Michkov. “That’s our main goal.”
A Lasting Bond with Tortorella
One of the most impactful relationships Michkov formed during his rookie year was with head coach John Tortorella. Known for his tough-love approach and candid honesty, Tortorella became a central figure in Michkov’s development. The Flyers have since parted ways with the veteran coach, but Michkov’s respect for him runs deep.
“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,” said Michkov.
“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.”
That gratitude was captured in a personal message Michkov sent after Tortorella’s departure — one the coach later said “meant the most” to him out of the countless notes he received.
“I just wrote that he was my first NHL coach and that I’ll never forget him,” added Michkov. “I thanked him for always being honest with me. Nothing special — just what I truly felt.”
Their bond extended beyond the bench. Michkov and Tortorella reportedly met weekly for one-on-one discussions, where hockey lessons often turned into broader life advice.
“Not really [sharing] secrets. More like advice — what to do, what not to do, how to behave in different situations,” explained Michkov. “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.”
A New Chapter with Tocchet
As the Flyers turn the page, Rick Tocchet steps in as the new head coach — bringing his own philosophies and expectations to the locker room. Michkov, like many young players, views the change as a chance to reset and grow.
“A new coach always means a fresh start. I don’t know him personally, so I can’t say much yet,” explained Michkov. “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.”
It’s not a demand for leniency — Michkov simply understands what makes him tick. Confidence and creativity are central to his game, and he knows that when he feels trusted, he performs at his best.
“I just want to have ice time and not feel restricted. That’s when I play my best,” added Michkov.
“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 the playoffs, I’ll take that over having more points and missing the playoffs. I’m tired of losing. I want to win.”
With a full year of NHL experience under his belt, Michkov is already focused on what comes next. He knows there’s work to be done — physically, mentally, and emotionally — to help the Flyers take the next step. But if this season was any indication, Michkov is more than up for the challenge.
The skill is there. The mindset is there. Now, it’s about building something lasting in Philadelphia — and Michkov is ready to lead that charge.
Don’t miss the full version of interview with Matvei Michkov — coming soon on RG.
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.
