VOORHEES, N.J. - Matvei Michkov’s English has come a long way, and the Flyers think that might be just as important as anything he did with a stick this summer.
The Russian right wing arrived at Thursday’s opening day of training camp at the Flyers Training Center sounding far more comfortable in English than he did during his first two seasons around Philadelphia, when even simple greetings could be a challenge. Now Slava Kuznetsov’s role as his interpreter is nearing the finish line, and that’s a welcome development for a team that wants Michkov more plugged in with coaches and teammates.
For Michkov, the language work is part of a bigger push to bounce back after a season that fell short of his rookie standard. He erupted for a team-leading 26 goals in his first year, then dipped to 20 in his sophomore season. With a contract year ahead, he made it clear he spent the summer grinding.
“I know now a little bit better English,” the 22-year-old Michkov said. “My first year was so hard for me.
The second year a little bit better. And now more.
I feel now much better. I feel like Philly is my second home.
My first home (Russia) and my second home (Philadelphia) I feel the same. I want to thank everyone (Flyers fans) for their support.”
That improvement matters because the Flyers believe clearer communication will speed everything up on both sides. It should help in the locker room, on the bench and in those tense moments when a quick exchange can change the tone of a game.
Travis Konecny said the difference is already noticeable.
“The communication is huge,” he said. “The conversations I’ve had have been a little better, just understanding each other.
That’s always positive. And when it’s a heated situation on the bench, and you can kind of understand what each other is trying to say, it goes a long way.
Hopefully we see that transition this year.”
Michkov also sounded like a player determined to sharpen the details of his game. He said he worked on his hands and on one-timers, an area he identified as a problem.
“I feel good, had a good summer,” Michkov said. “I work all the time.
I practiced working with my hands. One-timers. . .that’s one problem I’ve had.
I need to shoot the one-timer. We’ve talked about that.”
There’s also the physical side of it. Michkov has reportedly dropped around 30 pounds over the last year, and both Konecny and coach Rick Tocchet said he looked noticeably lighter and quicker on the first day of camp.
Konecny said he was surprised to hear the number but agreed the winger looked sharper on the ice this September.
Tocchet, who had his share of ups and downs with Michkov last season and benched him in both the regular season and playoffs at different points, said the language progress is a major step.
“I think that is a big step for him,” Tocchet said. “I don’t think he needs a translator all the time (now).
We want to take the safety net under him (away). I think he did a hell of a job.
“We have to create that culture for him. He doesn’t need people around him, I think he knows.
It’s the only way to learn. He wants to learn and it’s good for us, too.”
Tocchet also sees a player whose skating profile is changing in the right direction. He said Michkov’s speed and shiftiness can separate him from defenders, and the weight loss should help him do it more often.
“It’s just the first day but you could tell he’s lighter,” Tocchet said. “He looks stronger skating.
His stride is longer. When guys start getting tired, their stride gets choppier.
And his was still elongated. That’s a good sign.
“If you want to be a good rush player, you can’t be if you can’t separate. If you have that separation speed, that’s where he’s good, making that next play. It’s really fun to see when guys improve.”
Sean Couturier said the Flyers have seen the work, the sacrifice and the shape Michkov brought back to camp, and he believes there’s more coming.
“You can definitely tell, he’s put in the work,” Couturier said. “He’s put in sacrifices, he looks to be in good shape.
He’s skating well out there, making plays. It’s exciting to see.
He’s always been a big part of our team. We expect that out of him.
He seems to want more. That’s encouraging and it’s fun to see.”
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