# Flyers thoughts: This Matvei Michkov situation isn't over

> Flyers GM Danny Brière denies Matvei Michkov's 'fresh start' report as trade rumors swirl.
- Title: Flyers thoughts: This Matvei Michkov situation isn't over
- Summary: Flyers GM Danny Brière denies Matvei Michkov's 'fresh start' report as trade rumors swirl.
- Keywords: matvei michkov, danny briere, flyers, nhl, rick tocchet, matvei michkov trade rumors, flyers nhl, matvei michkov ice time, matvei michkov goals, flyers goal differential, PhillyVoice
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/flyers-thoughts-matvei-michkov-trade-rumors-fallout-danny-briere-rick-tocchet-early-mistakes
- Published: 2026-11-14T16:35:48.43+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: matvei michkov, danny briere, flyers, nhl, rick tocchet, matvei michkov trade rumors, flyers nhl, matvei michkov ice time, matvei michkov goals, flyers goal differential, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.