Matvei Michkov is grinding away, hitting the weights and climbing those stairs, all focused on his third season. This isn’t just another year, though. After an impressive rookie run, his second season was a definite step sideways, maybe even backward. He clearly didn’t win over Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet right from the start, and it showed when he was stuck in the press box as the Hurricanes swept Philadelphia in the second round. Even with all that turbulence, Michkov still managed a 51-point season, mostly from the third line alongside Noah Cates. But let’s be real, a talent like Michkov needs to be maximized, especially if he comes out flying this year.
The Roadblocks to Glory: Tippett and Martone
Getting to the top line with Travis Konecny and Trevor Zegras won’t be easy for Michkov. He’s gonna have to outwork and outshine two wingers that Coach Tocchet seems to absolutely love: Owen Tippett and Porter Martone. Tippett’s game took a serious leap forward, slamming in 28 goals, and get this, he had three power play goals AND three short-handed goals. The dude can change a game in a shift or two, with his physical presence and crazy speed just burning defensemen. He earned his spot in the top six, no question, often playing as the top line winger on the right. Then there’s Martone. His sample size was small, sure, but the kid could do no wrong in the 19 combined regular season and playoff games he played. He bagged 10 points in the last nine games of the season, even scoring a game-winner in overtime against Boston for his first point! Martone seriously lit a fire under the Flyers, pushing them into the playoffs. And against the Pens in the first round? Lethal! He buried two game-winners on the road as Philadelphia offed Pittsburgh in six games. Nobody expected him to play that well, but now he’s gotta prove he belongs there all over again.
Blazing Starts and Burying Bygones
So, how does Michkov break through? He’s got to come out blazing. Last season, he started slow, his first goal and point not coming until the fourth game against the Jets. He didn’t score again until a three-game streak in November, which was the only time he really looked like his old self. While he racked up assists, the overall production and eye test just weren’t that remarkable. Yeah, he had four multi-point games in eight April matchups, but that was after a rough run. This year, Michkov needs to explode from puck drop. It’s possible he’ll get more ice time with prime time players than he did in 2025-26, and that’s key. Three possibilities, or a combo of two, could make his top line dream a reality. Whatever bad blood he and Tocchet might have had? It needs to be gone for good. Michkov’s gotta prove it from day one, or he’ll be stuck watching those other guys tear it up.
It’s all on Michkov now. He’s gotta show up, leave those bygones in the past with Tocchet, and just play lights out from the jump. Otherwise, it’s gonna be another frustrating season watching from the third line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Broad Street Hockey.
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