Latest news with #Michkov
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Luck not with Flyers in NHL draft lottery; Michkov passed over for ROY
The NHL draft lottery had a new look and a vastly different result, but the new format didn't help the Philadelphia Flyers. The 23rd-place New York Islanders earned the right to pick first overall in the June 27-28 draft by winning the first live draft lottery in league history on Monday. The 19th-place Utah Hockey Club won the other drawing and moved up the maximum allowed 10 spots to fourth place. Advertisement The Islanders had 3.5% odds of winning the No. 1 overall pick. They will select first for the first time since drafting John Tavares in 2009. The Flyers, who had a 9.5% chance of getting the top pick and 9.5% of landing No. 2, ended up with the No. 6 pick as result of being leapfrogged by the odds-defying Islanders and Utah. The Flyers came in slotted at No. 4 and had a 15.4% chance of staying there. Their best odds (44.6%) were to end up picking fifth. The sixth slot was the worst possible scenario for the team. The top-ranked North American prospect is Matthew Schaefer, though NHL Central Scouting said it's close. The Erie Otters defenseman missed the rest of the season after breaking his collarbone during the winter while playing for Team Canada at the world junior hockey championship. He had 22 points in 17 games. Previously, the draw was conducted off camera, and deputy commissioner Bill Daly would turn over cards with team logos on them until the winner was revealed. But everyone got to watch the draw of the lottery balls live, and commissioner Gary Bettman was in the room, too. NHL draft order after the lottery No love for Matvei Michkov One of the few bright spots for the Flyers this season was right wing Matvei Michkov, who was second among rookies with 63 points and led all freshmen with 26 goals. However, those numbers weren't enough to earn the 2023 seventh-overall pick a Calder Trophy finalist spot, awarded to rookie of the year. Advertisement The rookie announcement was anticipated because there were four strong candidates. Michkov didn't get enough votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association to finish among the top three. The Calder finalists are San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf Voting took place at the end of the regular season. No date has been announced yet for when the winners will be revealed. When is the NHL draft? The 2025 NHL Draft will be held June 27-28. The first round will be on June 27 and rounds 2-7 will be held the next day. The times haven't been announced yet. It will be held in Los Angeles at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater. Top prospects will be there, but not team representatives, who will take part virtually. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luck not with Flyers in NHL draft lottery; Michkov passed over for ROY
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I'd Do Everything the Same': Matvei Michkov Talks Lane Hutson, Rookie Season & Goals for Next Season
(Header/feature image courtesy of The Hockey News' Megan DeRuchie) Matvei Michkov didn't need a Calder Trophy nomination to prove he belongs in the NHL. While the hockey world buzzed about top rookies this season, the 20-year-old Philadelphia Flyers forward compiled an impressive first campaign—electrifying crowds with his creativity, igniting plays with his vision, and, most importantly to him, making strides that go well beyond stat sheets. In typical Michkov fashion, he met the news of not being named a Calder finalist with the same cool composure he tried to bring to every shift on the ice. 'I'm not sure,' Michkov said when asked how he felt about the omission in a new interview with RG. 'I guess I should've played better so there'd be no doubt who the best rookie was. But it is what it is. It won't change how I approach things.' This was a season of firsts for Michkov—his first in North America, his first time adjusting to a completely different language and culture, and his first test against the grind of an 82-game NHL schedule. Still, he delivered. While others drew more headlines, Michkov steadily proved why he's considered one of the most gifted young players in the world. He flashed high-end offensive instincts, blended skill with a dogged work ethic, and grew into his role with the Flyers as the season progressed. 'Of course, I feel I could've scored more points and played better in some moments—there were plenty of chances that I didn't finish,' he said. 'I didn't have any specific numbers in mind before the season started, because I didn't know what to expect. New country, new people. My main goal was to show what I can do and enjoy every game. Sometimes it worked out, sometimes it didn't. But now my focus is to train well in the offseason, get stronger, and help the team make the playoffs. That's our main goal.' It's that consistent team-first attitude that has quickly earned Michkov respect in the Flyers' locker room. His skill is undeniable, but it's his mindset that may truly set him apart. Even after a strong rookie season—one that might've made him a Calder finalist or even winner in a different year—Michkov has no interest in personal accolades. He's already looking ahead to what matters most to him: team success. 'Yes—make the playoffs first,' Michkov said when asked about his goals for Year 2. 'Then try to win the Stanley Cup. Personally, I'm not setting any specific numbers. The only goal I have is a team goal, and I'll do everything I can to reach it.' 'He's probably the one player I've played with where he wants to be the best player in the NHL. He believes he can be.' —Travis Konecny on Matvei Michkov. Said his competitiveness was up there with Claude Giroux. #LetsGoFlyers — Siobhan Nolan (@SGNolan) April 18, 2025 That doesn't mean Michkov wasn't paying attention to his peers. The NHL's rookie class this year was stacked with talent, from physical defensemen to crafty playmakers. Michkov singled out Montreal Canadiens blueliner and Calder favorite Lane Hutson as someone who caught his eye. 'I didn't follow [the other rookies] closely, but the media talked about it a lot, so it was impossible to ignore," he admitted. "Lane Hutson had a really strong season. He scored a lot and was great on the powerplay. I really like his game. I actually saw him back in 2020 at the Winter Youth Olympics. I told [Washington Capitals prospect] Ivan Miroshnichenko at the time, 'Watch that guy—he's going to make it.' And now he's playing the same way in the NHL. I'm happy for him.' But Michkov is more focused on how he can take the next step. With his rookie season behind him, the Russian forward is focused less on what he can change and more on how he can refine his approach. It's not about altering his game—it's about maturing his mindset. 'Honestly, I'd do everything the same,' he said. 'Hockey is hockey. The only difference is that now I've learned to stay calmer. When you're calm, things start to go your way—your game, your life. When I was younger, I couldn't always control my emotions. I wasted too much energy. That's the only thing I'd change. Even though it's hard to stay calm all the time, that's what I'm working on.' That level of introspection is relatively rare in a player so young. But then again, Michkov has always carried himself a bit differently than most 20-year-old players. He doesn't need individual trophies to validate his place in the league. He's shown what he can do—and more importantly, he knows what he still wants to become.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Flyers' Matvei Michkov caught in Dubai car crash scandal, faces $100K extortion attempt
Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov, right, celebrates his goal with Jakob Pelletier during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens, Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton) Just when we thought the NHL offseason would be quiet, boom, Matvei Michkov ends up in a car accident in Dubai. The 19-year-old Flyers phenom was reportedly involved in a crash while on vacation, and the internet wasted no time panicking. But before fans start spiraling, here's the real story: Michkov's fine, he wasn't behind the wheel, and the whole situation might be messier for the rental company than for him. Matvei Michkov was in a car accident in Dubai, but he wasn't behind the wheel It all started when Russian journalist Alexey Shevchenko reported that Michkov had been involved in a car crash in Dubai. A photo of the totaled car began circulating online, registered under Michkov's name, no less. But before the rumor mill could run wild, multiple sources quickly confirmed he wasn't driving. According to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jordan Hall, Michkov was simply riding shotgun. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Mr. Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in Free Session TradeWise Learn More Undo Michkov's legal team wasted no time clearing things up. His attorney, Shuk al-Kathiri, confirmed that Matvei didn't drink, wasn't tested for alcohol, and, most importantly, wasn't responsible for the crash. The driver was reportedly a friend, and fully sober during the incident. 'There are no legal questions for Michkov,' the lawyer clarified, adding that under UAE law, Michkov is totally in the clear. Things got shady when the rental company allegedly tried to extort Matvei Michkov Now here's where the story turns into a Netflix drama. Al-Kathiri accused the rental company of illegally holding the passports of Michkov and his friend and allegedly trying to extort $100,000 to keep the story out of the media. The lawyer didn't hold back, calling out the company for manipulating the situation and trying to shake down the Russian NHL star. Thankfully, reports from trusted outlets eased everyone's nerves, he's unharmed, in no legal trouble, and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Neither Michkov nor the Flyers have made any public statements yet, but that hasn't stopped fans from rallying around him looked like a scary headline turned out to be a strange and slightly shady situation that he got pulled into while on vacation. Also read - NHL fines Max Domi $5,000 but backlash erupts as fans call player safety biased against certain teams Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
New York Times
19-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Flyers' Matvei Michkov dissatisfied with rookie season, even if no one else is
VOORHEES, N.J. — Matvei Michkov was Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere's first appointment on Saturday morning. The 20-year-old winger, two days after the conclusion of his rookie season, showed up with a detailed agenda. 'I was actually shocked by how prepared he was for his meeting, and he knew exactly what he needed to do, and how he wants to conduct himself this summer,' Briere said. Advertisement 'He's got a different mind. It's part of the reason that makes him who he is. He was telling me all the things that he learned this year, and I was amazed. Usually you don't expect that from a 20-year-old. … I left the meeting laughing to myself — if he accomplishes half of the things he has on his list to do, we're in really good shape.' The most encouraging aspect of the Flyers' generally disappointing 2024-25 season is easy to identify. The 20-year-old Michkov not only exceeded expectations, with an NHL-rookie leading 26 goals and 63 points, tied for second for the rookie scoring lead with Macklin Celebrini, but he stoically handled the sometimes harsh coaching tactics of John Tortorella while seamlessly walking into a tight-knit dressing room and earning the respect of everyone around him. One player who seemed to form a bond fairly quickly with Michkov was Travis Konecny, who was frequently seated near Michkov on the road and was often seen carousing with the Russian native, who was seemingly able to communicate with those around him despite not having a firm grip on the English language just yet. Konecny, now the heart and soul of the team, came to realize that Michkov doesn't just want to become an important cog on the still-building Flyers. He wants to be thought of as one of the league's best. And Konecny, whose eight-year extension begins next season, seems invigorated by that. 'He's probably the one guy that I played with in my career that, he wants to be the best player in the NHL. He believes that he can be,' Konecny said. 'You can't teach that, and that's just something that he wants, and he believes in. That's a powerful thing, you know? If he can continue to figure out how to play on both sides of the puck and help us win games that way too, he's a really big part of this.' Advertisement That sort of admiration Michkov already has from his teammates was part of what impressed Briere, too. 'Navigating an NHL dressing room is not easy, especially when you come in as a superstar, trying to fit into a group that's already kind of looking at you sideways like, 'OK, here's the savior coming in,'' Briere said. 'This is not an easy room, or any room, to walk into, and at the same time trying to keep his swagger. I'm so glad he went through that this year. I think he earned (his teammates') respect by how he carried himself.' Michkov stepped to the podium in the media room at the Flyers' training center with team staffer and interpreter Slava Kuznetsov on Saturday, shortly after his meeting with Briere concluded. It will be interesting to see whether Kuznetsov is necessary in such situations next season, as Michkov mentioned that mastering English was part of that offseason to-do list. For now, Michkov was able to convey through Kuznetsov what has both Briere and Konecny excited: he's anxious, and perhaps even a bit impatient, to improve. Training will be a part of it. Around the turn of the New Year, Michkov admitted to a Russian-language journalist that the grind of the season in which the schedule was condensed due to the 4 Nations break was wearing on him. He repeated that sentiment on Saturday. 'No (offseason) plans yet. The first is take a good rest,' said Michkov, who will spend some time back in Russia this summer. 'It was truly a hard season.' The relationship with Tortorella was often in the spotlight. When the coach either benched or scratched Michkov, as he did for two games in November, the young winger responded positively. Briere said before the season began that he was excited to have Michkov on the roster two years earlier than they expected for the chance to work with Tortorella, and he repeated on Saturday that 'learning from Torts and his staff' was beneficial for Michkov, in his view. Advertisement And, unlike a few of his teammates on Friday, Michkov suggested he was usually on the same page as Tortorella during what was their approximately seven months together. 'It was a pleasure to work with him,' Michkov said. 'I think he's one of my best coaches. He gave me a lot. I would listen to him all the time. I'm sure in the future it will help me out — not everything, but most of it.' Torts explains a few things to Michkov, thru Zamula — Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) October 10, 2024 Something that Michkov evidently didn't agree with was his ice time. It was noticeable that as soon as the change was made from Tortorella to interim coach Brad Shaw, Michkov's playing time increased from 16:19 per game to 19:36 for the final nine games. 'I don't like to play not enough minutes,' Michkov said. 'If I play more minutes, I will feel comfortable.' More playing time next season is inevitable. And judging from how Michkov is already preparing for the months ahead, more success and more production probably are inevitable, too. Those are his own expectations, at least. When asked how he felt about leading all NHL rookies in goals this season, Michkov said: 'Truthfully, there were moments in the season I could have scored a lot more,' he said. 'I was not very happy with my result.' He might be the only one. 'The stuff that he was able to do — I'll be honest, I didn't think he would score even 20 goals this year. I didn't think he would get to half-a-point a game,' Briere said. 'And there's so many facets of his game that are not quite there yet. It's really, really exciting what happened with him this year.' 'He wants to be the top scorer in the league,' Konecny said, 'and that's where his head is at.'
New York Times
02-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Improved Flyers responding to coaching change: ‘We were part of the problem'
VOORHEES, N.J. — It's always compelling theater observing how NHL teams respond to a change behind the bench. The Philadelphia Flyers have won three games in a row since John Tortorella was fired and replaced by interim coach Brad Shaw a week ago. There is a noticeable pep in their collective step even if the competition hasn't exactly been fierce, as those victories have come against the so-so Montreal Canadiens, and lottery teams, the Buffalo Sabres and Nashville Predators. Advertisement Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler pointed out on Wednesday that in the home wins over Montreal last Thursday, 6-4, and Buffalo on Saturday, 7-4, the club 'kind of outscored its mistakes,' while in the 2-1 win over Nashville on Monday, their second period wasn't very strong. Still, 'anytime you give up only one goal, it's pretty good,' Seeler said. 'I think we're just playing well.' The wins are particularly uplifting after a miserable 1-10-1 run, combined with everything the team has been through over the past few months, from selling off important, popular players before the trade deadline to the post-deadline drama with Tortorella. 'Nice to get a few wins, especially after that stretch we had,' Jamie Drysdale said. Of course, it takes players raising their individual games to help spark a team, and seeing who emerges after a coaching change is just as compelling as the final scores. In that regard, two players in particular have stood out: Matvei Michkov and Owen Tippett. Michkov has gotten the most attention, now firmly back in the Calder Trophy discussion as the NHL's rookie of the year. There have been various comments and even a few memes suggesting that Michkov — who has four goals and three assists in the three wins — is now somehow unburdened by the shackles of Tortorella. Perhaps there's a bit of truth to that, but Michkov was playing well just before the coaching change, too, with four assists in Tortorella's final three games. And, it was Tortorella who put the Michkov-Travis Konecny-Sean Couturier line together before a game on March 22, and Shaw has kept it together, to the benefit of everyone. Konecny's emergence from an awful slump probably has as much to do with Michkov's recent uptick as anything else. And even Michkov himself said to the NBC sports broadcast crew after Monday's game (through Google translate), 'I don't think it has anything to do with the coach. We just kind of got together and started playing better.' Advertisement Still, Michkov's recent play is turning heads. After the winger posted back-to-back two goal games against the Canadiens and Sabres, even Comcast CEO Brian Roberts noticed, reaching out to chairman Dan Hilferty to let him know he'd be attending Monday's game against Nashville (Roberts spent most of the game in the executive suite, sitting between GM Daniel Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jones). As for Tippett, he still hasn't scored since March 8, a dozen games ago. He has two assists since the change, both against the lowly Sabres. But he's been noticeably more involved in the offense, carrying the puck and beating defenders in one-on-one situations. His assist on Jakob Pelletier's goal against Buffalo was one of the nicer plays of the Flyers' season, as he cut around defenseman Jacob Bryson at the offensive blue line before threading a pass through Peyton Krebs to a charging Pelletier, who easily redirected it into the open net for his first goal as a Flyer. OWEN TIPPETT 🤯 He makes an unreal move to set up Jakob Pelletier for his first goal with the @NHLFlyers! 📺: @NHLNetwork — NHL (@NHL) March 29, 2025 'When he gets the puck in open ice, there's few players like him in the league,' Shaw said. 'I'd like for that to show up a little bit more. The play he makes on Pelletier's goal is a play you couldn't describe to somebody unless you really knew how hard that is to do at this level. That's ridiculous.' Asked how he feels about his game lately, Tippett said: 'Pretty good. I think it's just a change in mindset, of hanging onto pucks a little bit longer and trying to get that confidence back.' Shaw indicated that while Tippett has the ability to bring people out of their seats — like last season's unforgettable single-effort goal against the Dallas Stars, for example — he still needs to balance when to try something spectacular and when to stick to fundamentals. Advertisement Tippett is still sitting on just 19 goals this season, when he should probably be a player who's pushing for at least 30. 'I don't think (the spectacular plays need) to show up all the time because he's good enough in other elements of the game to play a simpler game at times, or maybe a more north-south game,' Shaw said. 'I think how he combines the two eventually (is) when (he'll) start playing his absolute best hockey. I think you'll see a little bit more of that simplicity come through, along with the exceptional skill and talent that he has.' Much to the dismay of those fans pining for a further drop in the standings to improve draft position, the Flyers have a chance to keep building on their recent post-Tortorella successes in their final six games. While they'll be battling some teams that still have potential playoff berths on the line, the Flyers have the sixth-easiest schedule, according to Tankathon. A renewed sense of playing for one another — per Briere's desire, which he expressed to the team after the coaching change, and something that Tortorella constantly stressed, too — is reemerging. 'You never want to see a coaching change,' Tippett said. 'I think it takes a lot for it to get to that point. And we realized that in this room, we were part of the problem. I think a change and a shift with us is just an effort to play for one another, and make a point that we still believe in each other, and we're going to go to battle with each other.' Said Shaw: 'One of the best things Torts did here was that room. There's been people that left in the last month or so that create voids a little bit, but it's still a great room.' It's been much better outside of that room lately, too, in full view of those still paying attention. 'You obviously want to finish strong,' Drysdale said, 'and on a good note.' (Photo of Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov: Jeff Curry / Imagn Images)
