Matvei Michkov: “That’s why he slipped”.

In 2023, the Canadian had the fifth pick in the draft. Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton had the chance to draft a very talented Russian winger. We’re talking about the kind of guy who can change the face of a franchise.

If you replace the year 2023 with 2024, the sentence still stands. But what changes is the result.

In 2023, the Habs (like the four teams before them… and like the Coyotes at #6) said no to Matvei Michkov. But in 2024, the Habs GM was praying that Ivan Demidov would still be available.

And yet, the two players’ talents are comparable.

From what we’ve heard, Ivan Demidov knows what defensive rebounding is, and he also knows how to treat his teammates properly. These are two good differences with Mishkov.

But is that what convinced the Habs to turn their nose up at Mishkov in 2023 in favor of David Reinbacher? Who knows.

In any case, according to Daniel Brière, the reason Michkov slipped to Philly (at #7) was clearly because of his contract in Russia. Without it, in his opinion, he would have emerged in the top-2 or top-3 of his class, led by Connor Bedard.

Flyers forward Matvei Michkov meets with the media for the first time from @FlyersTCenter. #LetsGoFlyers https://t.co/RtuuBN3LEs

– Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 24, 2024

That’s what the Flyers GM said at a press conference to introduce Michkov to the Pennsylvania press.

Of course, the GM wouldn’t disagree, since the contract story makes both player and club look good. And now that the Russian has ended his three-season deal (2023 to 2026) two years early to land in Philly as early as 2024, the other clubs look bad.

But did six clubs (or five, given that no one blames the Blackhawks for Connor Bedard’s selection) who are aiming for the long term by rebuilding really say no because of the contract? I have my doubts.

In any case, one thing’s for sure: Habs fans can’t wait to see Demidov in town – probably in a year’s time. And right now, that’s all that seems to matter in Montreal.

The SKA IG page just posted this photo of Ivan Demidov pic.twitter.com/SzM3JpakSI

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 29, 2024

Overtime

– Logical.

Unsurprisingly, the COC and Canada Soccer are appealing the six-point deduction imposed on the women’s soccer team. pic.twitter.com/MrXmaAq589

– Alexandre Pratt (@alexandrepratt) July 29, 2024

– If he’s traded, he’ll pitch in the playoffs. Whether he “likes it” or not.

Imagine him meeting Clayton Kershaw’s eyes and saying, I’m not pitching in the playoffs. https://t.co/3yhrN9rZtZ

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 29, 2024

– Salary cap era: who had more playoff success?[NYT]

– Big duel in France.

Rafael Nadal put up a good fight in the 2nd set, notably overcoming a 1-4 deficit, but must concede defeat to tournament favorite Novak Djokovic! pic.twitter.com/orXZgWZt0y

– RDS (@RDSca) July 29, 2024