Flyers GM Danny Briere Shuts Down Michkov Rumors, Backs Tocchet and Development Plan
If there was any doubt about where the Philadelphia Flyers stand on Matvei Michkov, GM Danny Briere made it crystal clear: Michkov isn’t going anywhere. The talented young forward remains a central piece of the Flyers’ long-term vision, and despite recent noise surrounding his role and relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet, Briere stepped in to calm the waters.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Capitals, Briere addressed the swirling speculation head-on, offering a candid look at Michkov’s development, the growing pains that come with being a young NHLer, and the trust the organization has in Tocchet’s approach.
Michkov’s Growing Pains Are Part of the Process
“Matvei is going to be here for a long time,” Briere said. “He’s going to be a good player here for the Flyers. What he is going through right now is all a part of the learning process.”
And that learning curve? It’s real - and steep.
Briere emphasized that no matter how talented a player is, nothing truly prepares them for the grind of the NHL until they’re living it. Michkov, alongside fellow young players like Denver Barkey and Nikita Grebenkin, is learning what it means to be a professional at the highest level.
The day-to-day demands, the mental and physical toll, the expectations - it’s all part of the education.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Briere said. “They’re learning, and that’s what Rick Tocchet is trying to teach them.”
This isn’t just about Michkov’s stats or ice time. It’s about building habits, understanding the game beyond the puck, and developing the kind of consistency that separates stars from flashes in the pan.
Briere, Tocchet, and the Flyers Know This Path Well
Briere didn’t just speak from the GM’s chair - he spoke from experience. He’s lived this.
So has team president Keith Jones, and so has Tocchet. They’ve all walked that path from promising prospect to established pro, and they understand the bumps along the way.
“It’s all a part of the process,” Briere said. “You can go into our locker room and ask guys like Jamie Drysdale, Bobby Brink, Tyson Foerster, Cam York - they’ve all been through it. When you arrive, it’s tough.”
Michkov’s rookie campaign - a 26-goal, 63-point breakout - set the bar high. So when the sophomore season brought some turbulence, it wasn’t entirely unexpected inside the Flyers’ front office. Development isn’t linear, and for a young player who arrived earlier than expected, some growing pains were always going to be part of the equation.
Trust in Tocchet’s Plan
If anyone was questioning whether Tocchet is the right coach to guide Michkov through this phase, Briere put that to rest.
“I talk to Rick Tocchet daily,” he said. “He wants Michkov to succeed; he wants to develop him into the best player he can be.”
That development comes with tough lessons - some of them public, some behind closed doors. Whether Michkov is playing 12 minutes or 20, the focus remains on making him better in the long run. Briere even likened it to parenting: there are going to be hard moments, but they’re essential for growth.
“He’s learning along the way,” Briere said. “It’s going to make him a better player, and Rick wants that. He wants to be here for the long haul to lead this team.”
The Coach-Player Relationship Is Intact
One of the biggest takeaways from Briere’s comments was his reassurance that Tocchet and Michkov are on the same page - even if things get heated from time to time.
“[Tocchet] and Matvei have a good relationship. Sometimes they’re fiery. When you’re not winning, things are done and said, but they always come back to the table and want the best for this team.”
That includes recent comments Tocchet made at the Flyers Charities Carnival, which some interpreted as a jab at Michkov. Briere was clear: that wasn’t the case.
“Those comments were made in relation to trying to explain how players are learning along the way. He wasn’t targeting Matvei.”
The Message: Michkov Is a Pillar of the Flyers’ Future
Briere wrapped things up with a statement that should resonate across the fanbase - and the league.
“Rick knows how important [Michkov] is to the future of the organization. He wants to make it work.”
So while the outside noise may have reached a fever pitch - even prompting a call for the so-called “Briere Signal” - the Flyers’ GM answered it with poise and purpose. Michkov is here to stay.
The organization is committed to his growth. And Rick Tocchet is the coach they trust to guide him through the fire.
Now, it’s back to work - for the player, the coach, and a team that’s betting big on its young star.