Flyers Draft Profile: Matvei Michkov
Next up in our prospect profile is Matvei Michkov from SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
The six foot, hundred and fifty pound Michkov has the potential to a top winger in the NHL for years to come. Now with the draft getting closer and closer this is the time we start getting the most smoke and mirrors. With the top two picks just about locked in with Bedard at one and Fantilli at two it’s after that is where things get interesting.
The Columbus Blue Jackets currently sit at the third overall pick but I believe they are very much open for business when it comes to that pick. Within the last week they have traded for two top four defenseman in Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson. There is going to be some great offensive talent available at this pick but it seems like Columbus is looking to make their window to win right now. This is exactly why I could see them using this pick to trade for a top level NHL player that will help them right now. Do the Flyers have someone that could make a deal happen? Possibly, will it happen? Who knows, but Daniel Briere is listening on everyone and doing his due diligence and seems to be trying to move up higher in this draft.
Could Michkov be there at 7? Sure it is possible but I just do not think it’s likely. I’m not a scout and I’d be lying if I tried selling you on I know everything there is to know about Matvei Michkov. However, I have done my research and have watched as many of the highlights on him and have read as much as I can from the professionals that have scouted him. In my humble opinion I think he is the third best player in this draft. It may take the Flyers trading up but I think it is the Flyers best chance at getting someone that is similar in potential to Bedard and Fantilli.
Leo Carlsson and Will Smith are two guys rumored to be ahead of Michkov but if Briere really wants him and isn’t confident he is going to drop, this is where we could see him move up to 3. I am not saying Michkov is the Flyers top target but this would be the guy that could be someone who can make an immediate impact and could be worth taking a gamble on and trading up for.
Adding Michkov to the Flyers lineup and pairing him with guys like Owen Tippett, Morgan Frost, Travis Konecny, or Tyson Foerster could provide the Flyers with some much needed offense. His playmaking ability could open up the ice for those guys to take another step forward in their development.
Do not be surprised if come draft night Danny Briere is very active in trying to move up to make a splash and draft Michkov. Who knows maybe luck will be on the Flyers side for once and he will end up dropping to 7th and they won’t have to trade at all to get him.
Regardless for the first time in a long time it’s shaping up to be an exciting off-season for the Flyers and Danny Briere may be the change we have all be clamoring for over the last few years.
Stay tuned for our next draft profile and make sure you are following our new account on Twitter @FlyersFanLife for all our Flyers coverage.
-Walsh