- Kevin Kurz reported a trainer Michkov trusts spent about three weeks with him in Russia last month
- Michkov heads back to the Philadelphia area in early August to keep working before camp
- Read below for why this offseason means so much for the Flyers winger
Matvei Michkov heard the noise. This summer, he is answering it.
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reported that Michkov had a trainer he is comfortable with, one the Flyers already know, come to Russia and work with him for roughly three weeks last month. Michkov plans to head back to the Philadelphia area in early August to keep grinding before training camp opens.
That would be a nothing update for most players. It carries real weight for this one.
Rick Tocchet did not hide his frustration last season. The Flyers coach said publicly that Michkov did not show up to camp in shape, and the winger’s sophomore year turned into a slog. He even sat as a healthy scratch in Game 5 of the first round.
Philadelphia is already looking ahead to what a dialed-in Michkov can give them:
Michkov has not been working alone either. He has spent the offseason skating and training with a heavy Russian crew, including Artemi Panarin, Mikhail Sergachev and former Flyer Andrei Kuzmenko, all under trainer Dmitry Yashankin.
This is the last year of his entry-level deal. A big 2026-27 sets up a massive raise, and the Flyers badly need the player who tore up his rookie season.
That rookie year was special. Michkov put up 26 goals and 63 points in 80 games and took home rookie of the month twice.
Here is a reminder of what he looked like when everything clicked:
Get that Michkov back for a full 82 games, and Philadelphia’s offense looks a lot scarier.
