VOORHEES, N.J. — Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov on Tuesday again expressed frustration with his disappointing sophomore NHL campaign.
He also strongly indicated he doesn’t plan on making the same mistakes he made last summer in the future, and is already taking steps in an attempt to finish the 2025-26 season strong when the Flyers resume play on Wednesday night in Washington.
Michkov, whose conditioning level, reduced ice time and lesser role this season under first-year Flyers coach Rick Tocchet have all sparked vociferous debate amongst the fan base, approached this season’s Olympic break much differently than the 4 Nations Face-Off break last February.
“Last year during the break, I just relaxed,” Michkov said.
This year, the 21-year-old squeezed in a trip to the Dominican Republic, but he wasn’t there solely to escape the winter weather. Michkov confirmed a report by The Athletic last week that he brought a personal trainer with him on the trip, and was “training every day,” twice a day.
“There was the first workout (in) the gym. And the second workout was for conditioning (and) endurance,” said Michkov, who has 13 goals and 29 points in 55 games. “I feel a lot better.”
He continued: “I couldn’t just rest because I was not happy with the way the games were going, so I was working the entire break. And my emotions are completely dependent on hockey, so I needed to work instead of rest.”
Michkov was speaking for the first time since December and the first time since Tocchet repeated his frustration with the winger’s fitness level on Feb. 1, prompting a hasty media availability with general manager Daniel Briere two days later in which Briere attempted to publicly calm the waters. A meeting with Briere, Michkov, a representative from his camp, Tocchet and the Flyers’ coaching staff followed in an attempt to “clear the air,” according to a team source. Michkov’s primary agent, Paul Theofanous, was spotted at the Flyers Training Center on Tuesday, as well.
Michkov didn’t express any outward frustration towards Tocchet when asked about their relationship, but he did convey that he believes he’s more effective as a right wing. Tocchet has been playing Michkov exclusively on the left wing since mid-November.
“I have to play as much as they let me,” said Michkov, who is averaging 14:34 of ice time per game this season, down from 16:41 last season. “I just have to go out there and do my job, 100 percent.”
In one brief, solitary moment in English, Michkov quipped it was a “tough question” when asked about moving to the left side.
“I’ve played on the right my whole life, and I liked everything about it. And now they’ve put me on the left. But for me, (if) it’s a new role, then I have to adapt to it as quickly as possible. But, as for me, more opportunities and chances are created on the right. I can create (for my) teammates, too.”
Just as he did in December, Michkov acknowledged that he didn’t properly train last offseason after leading all NHL rookies with 26 goals in 2024-25.
“If you take (a) four-month break, it can reflect (in) your game,” he said. “You just need to always focus on hockey. Don’t let yourself get carried away for even a month. You have to be smart when you’re training (over) the break. Don’t (get hurt), but training must go (on).”
One former Flyers captain can relate to what Michkov is going through. Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger recalls showing up to his first training camp with the St. Louis Blues in 1995-96 — his third season in the league — well behind the eight-ball from a physical standpoint.
“Finished dead last in all physical testing,” said Pronger, who, like Michkov, was 21 years old at the time.
It was a humbling experience.
“As a player, you’re embarrassed,” Pronger said. “It’s learning the process of what it takes to be a true pro. What does it mean to be a true pro? It’s creating the habits, the discipline and the consistency, day in and day out, whether it’s in the training room, whether it’s your eating habits, whether it’s your practice habits, whether it’s your playing habits — and being diligent every single day to being the best possible (player) you can be.”
As far as how Tocchet has used Michkov to this point, Pronger said, “You want to set the tone. I don’t care who you are, whether you’re this shining young prospect or anyone else, you need to come into camp in good shape. You need to earn your ice time. It’s not like this is anything new. Any good young prospect, they’re not just thrown out there on a blind whim to do whatever they want. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that happen. … There’s a little more nuance to it than just go let him play.”
Pronger, now an analyst for Amazon NHL broadcasts in Canada, can envision this season’s rough ride potentially benefiting Michkov in the long run, if the player handles it the correct way.
“He needs to make sure that he’s as disciplined as humanly possible (this summer) to give himself the best possible chance to succeed, develop, and take his game to the next level, because that inner drive in him will want to do that. … Ultimately, it’s up to the player. How good do you want to be? Go put the work in, and make sure you’re back to being the best possible Matvei Michkov he can possibly be.”