From PhillyVoice · · 3m
Flyers thoughts: This Matvei Michkov situation isn't over
Flyers GM Danny Brière denies Matvei Michkov's 'fresh start' report as trade rumors swirl.
In brief
Flyers GM Danny Brière denies Matvei Michkov's 'fresh start' report as trade rumors swirl. Flyers GM Danny Brière denies ESPN's report that Matvei Michkov prefers a 'fresh start' elsewhere, but the team faces uncertainty over his future with the franchise. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Flyers' handling of Michkov under scrutiny
The Flyers' overall handling of Matvei Michkov as a core piece is under heavy scrutiny now.
Michkov's trade rumors intensify
ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported that Matvei Michkov has developed a preference for 'a fresh start elsewhere'.
“a fresh start elsewhere”
GM Danny Brière denies report
General manager Danny Brière caught the next flight out to Edmonton to meet back up with his team and spoke with Michkov.
Brière denies Michkov exit
Brière outright denied the report as 'not correct', insisting Michkov was still part of the team's 'solution for the future'.
“not correct”
Michkov's performance in Edmonton
Michkov skated 20:44 against the Oilers, his second-highest ice time total of the season.
Michkov's assist and pass
He had a secondary assist on Travis Sanheim's third-period crash into the net and made a slicker setup pass to Jamie Drysdale.
Michkov's goal differential
The Flyers are 5-10-6 and at an Eastern Conference-worst goal differential of minus-22.
Michkov's scoring impact
Michkov leads the Flyers with 10 goals and now leads them in total points with 15.
Michkov's ice time concerns
Michkov's average ice time of 15:54 was the lowest of any other forward with 10 goals to that point.
Coach Tocchet's stance
Head coach Rick Tocchet said Michkov was playing enough minutes, not that he was being underused.
Tocchet's comments on Michkov
Tocchet stated, 'Well, I don't know what you mean by not so many minutes. [He's played] like 16, 17 minutes. It's not like he's playing 12. No, there's been no message.'
“Well, I don't know what you mean by not so many minutes. [He's played] like 16, 17 minutes. It's not like he's playing 12. No, there's been no message.”
Michkov's language barriers
The Flyers tried to help Michkov with English through interpreters and tutors but progress has been slow.
Language barrier challenges
Through Michkov's first two years, the Flyers had skating coach Slava Kuznetsov act as his interpreter, but never on a full-time basis.
Michkov's English progress
Michkov is more comfortable with English but still has limited public speaking abilities.
Flyers' language support
The Flyers reached out to the Capitals for advice on how to acclimate Michkov to North American media.
Michkov's potential trade
The Flyers face uncertainty over whether Michkov will stay with the team or trade for a veteran player.
Vladimir Tarasenko as option
Vladimir Tarasenko, a 34-year-old free agent with two Stanley Cups, could help Michkov.
Michkov's team situation
The Flyers' situation with Michkov has become a major concern for the team's future.
The essence
Flyers GM Danny Brière denies ESPN's report that Matvei Michkov prefers a 'fresh start' elsewhere, but the team faces uncertainty over his future with the franchise.
