- Matvei Michkov reported to Flyers training camp roughly 30 pounds lighter than he was a year ago
- The 21-year-old cut out fast food and sugar, and did his media availability entirely in English for the first time
- Read below for what Rick Tocchet and Danny Briere are seeing from him
Matvei Michkov showed up to Philadelphia Flyers camp about 30 pounds lighter than he was last September.
Michkov put that number out there himself in an interview in Russia shortly before camp opened, and the Flyers could see it the moment he stepped on the ice. He rebuilt his training and his eating over the summer after a second season that started with him out of shape and never fully caught up.
Reporters asked him how he feels coming out of that offseason.
“I actually look good. Good summer. I feel really good right now. I think I’m ready for season.”
Catch his full camp media availability:
He went into detail on what changed away from the rink.
“I eat right now just good food, no fast food, no sugar. Maybe a little bit on day off, I like chocolate but just on day off. This is hard work too. This is hard work not just on the ice but on life too.”
Rick Tocchet talked about what he saw from Michkov on the first day of camp.
“It’s the first day, but he looks lighter and stronger skating. His stride is longer. When guys start getting tired their strides get choppier and his still was elongated. That is a good sign.”
The other change happened at the podium. Michkov arrived in Philadelphia in 2024 with zero English and needed a translator for nearly two full seasons. This time he sat at the table alone and answered every question himself, with help standing by only if he got stuck.
Philadelphia needs the on-ice version to follow. Michkov led all NHL rookies with 26 goals and put up 63 points in 2024-25, then slid to 20 goals and 51 points last season before managing one assist in eight playoff games. That drop is a big reason this is the biggest season of his career, and the Flyers let the eight-year extension window close without a deal earlier this month.
Early preseason returns have been loud:
Danny Briere spoke about the difference in Michkov since he got back to the area this month.
“He’s got a pep in his step. He feels good. He looks good. So I’m excited about Matvei’s season.”
Michkov also said Philadelphia now feels like a second home to him. That matters for a 21-year-old who spent his first year there unable to order dinner in English.
