Several teams plan to interview Matvei Michkov in Nashville

You know as well as I do that Matvei Michkov’s candidacy for the upcoming draft is not a foregone conclusion. After all, there are plenty of red flags in his case.

Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about the fact that he doesn’t want to talk to everyone. It’s information that’s circulating around the NHL, and many teams feel that he wants to control his destiny.

The rumor is that he’d like to choose where he’d like to go → https://t.co/WLOcxS8ZJu

– DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) June 16, 2023

Let’s just say it’s not ideal from a kid whose attitude is questioned by many.

If he didn’t have all the talent in the world, you’d think teams would let him slide pretty low. After all, you have to wonder if it’s worth drafting him this high.

And that’s not counting the Russian factor (with the war) and his KHL contract.

All in all, there are a number of unknowns in the equation. And when you consider that a GM’s job is to reduce the risk factors in order to make the right choice, it’s no easy task.

But now, new information has surfaced on this subject. According to Bob McKenzie, who has good antennae in the NHL, Michkov has several interviews scheduled in Nashville.

We’re guessing it’s just a few days before the draft (June 28-29).

Matvei Michkov will be a popular man at next week’s NHL Draft. The top-ranked prospect among international skaters will be in Nashville for the event and multiple NHL teams have scheduled interviews with him prior to the draft (via @TSNBobMcKenzie): https://t.co/FtvSneY3IM

– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 19, 2023

I really wonder if the Habs are in the mix. After all, we know that Kent Hughes intended to talk to him, but hadn’t done so by the time he spoke to reporters at the NHL combine.

And since he seems to be hard to reach, his best chance of doing so is in Nashville in a few days’ time.

Extension

I don’t know how much it bothers him, but let’s just say that Connor Bedard isn’t getting the attention he deserves as the first overall pick coming up.

He may stand out, but he’s in Michkov’s shadow.

Connor Bedard’s prowess, at just 17, is rewarded by the IIHF 👏 pic.twitter.com/H8OVkBY2u4

– RDS (@RDSca) June 19, 2023