Matvei Michkov Watch: Philadelphia Flyers’ No. 7 overall draft pick could now join the team as early as next season

Matvei Michkov slid to the Philadelphia Flyers with the No. 7 in the 2023 NHL Draft due to the “Russian Factor” that could have potentially delayed his arrival to North America until the conclusion of the 2026 KHL season.

According to reports over the weekend from Russia, it looks like Flyers fans’ will potentially witness his impact on the organization as soon as next season. 

Russian outlet Sports-Express reported that the Flyers’ top prospect Michkov could be heading to Philadelphia this summer once he successfully  terminates his KHL contract with SKA St. Petersburg. 

SKA forward Matvei Michkov will continue his career at Philadelphia [starting next season]

Of course nothing is official, and some legal details still need to be completed for the official termination Michkov’s contract with SKA, but this seems like an inevitability for Michkov to come to the NHL next season.

— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) May 19, 2024

Michkov’s contract with SKA St. Petersburg is reportedly set to be terminated after he signed a five-year contract with the KHL in 2021. If he doesn’t have a contract in the KHL, he should be able to negotiate a contract with the Flyers. 

There was a ton of speculation that this could happen and it finally looks like it’s going to. Even Michkov himself liked a post on Instagram saying that he would continue his hockey career with the PHiladelphia Flyers next season. 

Matvei Michkov likes post on joining Philadelphia Flyers

Guess who liked this post on Instagram 👀🧐#Flyers pic.twitter.com/rVAWxFickh

— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) May 20, 2024

SKA St. Petersburg chairman Alexander Medvedev opened up the possibility of Michkov arriving to the Flyers sooner than expected a few weeks back in an interview with another Russian sports outlet, Match TV.

During that interview, he hinted that a decision on Michkov’s immediate future would happen before the end of June. Since then, Michkov has posted several videos of him working out – notably in Flyers gear – on Instagram.

On the Flyers’ end of the table, GM Danny Briere has kept all information private but clearly, there is something brewing and an effort being made to get Michkov to Philly as fast as possible.

We did it. @TheLibertyYell @SuitableAlias pic.twitter.com/Drg8TKqJkE

— Mike (@wholeteam39) May 19, 2024

The Flyers will need to determine whether the report is accurate and if so, the front office can officially negotiate an entry-level contract for Michkov, which will allow him to join the team this Summer.

Again, that still relies on Michkov’s representation to figure out an exit plan with SKA St. Petersburg. 

What Matvei Michkov will look like in the NHL at 19 years old…

With the rumors of Michkov coming to Philadelphia heating up by the day, feel like now would be a pretty time to plug this again.

What would Matvei Michkov look like in the NHL at 19 years old? @LibertyLinePHL | @SuitableAlias https://t.co/3M4WLyY51p

— TLY (@TheLibertyYell) May 20, 2024

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