Flyers GM Brière Throws Support Behind Michkov Amid Tough Sophomore Campaign
Matvei Michkov’s second NHL season hasn’t exactly gone to script. The 20-year-old winger came into the year with high expectations after a promising rookie campaign, but so far, it’s been an uphill climb.
His production is down, his ice time has dipped, and questions have started to surface about his role in Philadelphia. But if there’s any doubt about how the organization views him long-term, GM Daniel Brière put that to rest this week.
“One thing I can tell you is Michkov is not going anywhere, let’s make that clear,” Brière told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s going to be here for a long time. He’s going to be a good player here for the Flyers, and what he’s going through right now is part of the learning process.”
That’s a strong public endorsement for a player who’s clearly in a transitional phase. Michkov himself has acknowledged he didn’t report to camp in peak condition, citing time off to recover from an ankle injury. Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t shy away from pointing that out earlier in the season, noting that Michkov’s conditioning wasn’t where it needed to be when camp opened.
And while that may have set the tone for a slower start, it’s hardly the full story. A team source described the situation as “not great for both sides,” pointing to a tight schedule and limited practice time that’s made it tough for Michkov to play catch-up. Add to that the fact that he’s been deployed out of position and hasn’t exactly found chemistry with linemates like Sean Couturier, and it’s easy to see why the offense hasn’t clicked.
Tocchet has a known track record of being tough on young players - not unfairly, but with an emphasis on accountability. In Michkov’s case, that’s meant fewer minutes and a role that hasn’t always played to his strengths. But according to Brière, the relationship between coach and player remains strong, and this season is being viewed as part of Michkov’s long-term development.
Flyers Eyeing Goalie Market for Offseason, Staying Quiet at Deadline
As for the Flyers’ broader plans, don’t expect a flurry of moves at the trade deadline. Brière made it clear during a recent radio appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic that the team isn’t in position to be buyers - especially not for rental players. That’s not surprising for a club that’s still building out its core and looking ahead rather than making a short-term playoff push.
One area that will need attention in the coming months: goaltending. Samuel Ersson, a pending restricted free agent, has struggled to establish consistency this season.
Meanwhile, Aleksei Kolosov - another RFA - isn’t quite NHL-ready. That leaves the Flyers with questions between the pipes heading into the offseason.
There’s some internal interest in Toronto Maple Leafs netminder Dennis Hildeby, who’s drawn positive reviews from Philadelphia’s front office. Whether the Leafs would be willing to move him - or whether the Flyers would actively pursue him - remains to be seen, but it’s a name to keep an eye on as the goalie carousel starts spinning this summer.
Trade Chips Limited, Ristolainen Still on the Block
Philadelphia’s pending unrestricted free agents - Nicolas Deslauriers, Carl Grundstrom, and Noah Juulsen - aren’t expected to bring much in return, and the team isn’t likely to force a move just to make one.
Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen remains a potential trade candidate, but his $5.1 million cap hit through next season and recent injury history make him a tough sell on the market. He’s battled through various ailments over the past two years, and while he still brings physicality and experience, that contract is a sticking point.
So while the Flyers may not be making headlines at the deadline, the groundwork is being laid for a more active offseason - especially in net. And through it all, the message from the front office is clear: Matvei Michkov is still very much part of the plan.