/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F02%2F04014615%2FGettyImages-2175335406-1-1.jpg)
Matvei Michkov is not having a great second season in the NHL. The Russian forward, who did well in his rookie year, has only 13 goals and 28 points in 53 games this season… but what's really getting people talking is how he's being used.
He has averaged only 14:32 of ice time per game since the start of the season… and he is currently playing on his team's third line.
Over the weekend, his coach Rick Tocchet confirmed what had been rumored for some time: Michkov did not arrive at training camp inshape, which has slowed him down since the start of the year.
And clearly, the whole thing is taking on pretty intense proportions: in an article forDaily Faceoff, Anthony DiMarco (who has good connections in Philadelphia) said that right now, the situation is “bad for everyone.”
Michkov didn't help himself last summer, and Tocchet isn't helping him get out of this slump this season. So that's where we are.
It hasn't been a great sophomore season for Michkov with the #Flyers. How do they fix it?
I tackle that in my latest for @DailyFaceoff.https://t.co/V0Jn3pXBCw
— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) February 3, 2026
And obviously, the issue isreally getting people talking right now. It's all becoming a real distraction… to the point where the club's GM, Daniel Brière, had to talk to the media tonight to calm things down.
He also reiterated that Michkov did not arrive at camp in shape, but noted that this is part of his learning process and that the Russian is with the Flyers to stay. Above all, he emphasized that the relationship between the player and the coach is good (obviously, you might say).
Flyers GM Danny Brière talked to the media about the “noise” surrounding the team right now, particularly Michkov & Tocchet.
pic.twitter.com/EcJAeQPfdj
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 4, 2026
What is clear is that this whole situation is becoming a hot potato for the Flyers. No one doubts the player's talent, but apart from his GM (again, obviously, you might say), the kid's attitude is causing concern for many people in Philadelphia.
I wonder if Ivan Demidov is watching this from afar and trying to learn from it so he doesn't fall into the same traps in his second season…
Overtime
– Nothing less.
Top scorers in the NHL since January 1, 2026. pic.twitter.com/r3hoTXrpqH
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) February 4, 2026
– Well done.
He took the opportunity to talk about Patrick Roy.
https://t.co/Wye9oxbcLW
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 4, 2026
– Big trade in the NBA.
See this post on Instagram
