There is no mystery around who will go first in this year’s NHL Draft, as Connor Bedard can count the minutes until he’s a member of the Chicago Blackhawks. But the future of another top prospect is much less clear.
Matvei Michkov, who has been expected to go near the top of the 2023 draft for years, now faces an uncertain fate thanks to his KHL contract (which reportedly extends through 2025-26), the Russian political climate, and a scouting process that has so far limited viewings and meetings for NHL clubs.
That shroud seems to be lifting, at least somewhat. Bob McKenzie of TSN reports that several teams have scheduled meetings with Michkov ahead of next week’s draft, and are eager to get to know the young forward. McKenzie points out, “no elite NHL draft prospect has had fewer live viewings/interactions with NHL GMs/executives/head scouts in his draft year than Michkov.”
A brilliant offensive player that has been compared to nearly every high-level Russian forward throughout his development, Michkov showed off his upside after a midseason transfer to HK Sochi in 2022-23. After failing to receive much playing time with his contracted club, SKA St. Petersburg, an agreement was made to let the 18-year-old play for Sochi, where he scored 20 points in 27 games.
Where Michkov lands will be one of the more exciting news items to come out of this year’s draft, especially if he falls further than expected.
A comment I am passing on:
“I’m not one to fall for conspiracy theories, but there’s plenty of smoke to give credence to speculation that the process is being manipulated. And not just by Michkov himself. With regard to the supposed “character issues”, I saw reference on another site to a report from TVA Sports in Montreal that Andrei Nikolishin, a former NHLer who works in Washington’s scouting department, is putting out word about these supposed character issues. Now why would a scout for the Capitals, who hold the #8 pick, spread rumors about this? I think we all know why. When you think about it, it’s not out of the question that Putin will see to it that the KHL lets Michkov out of his contract so he can come over and play with Ovechkin in D.C.
One Habs blogger is writing this morning that if the Habs are unsuccessful in trading up, and if the 4 centers are all gone, they should look to trade down. Arizona at #6 has been rumored to have their eye on Michkov and there’s Washington of course. If the Habs have no interest in Michkov, they could get an extra 2nd rounder and the guy they want (Leonard, Benson, Dvorsky, Reinbacher) would likely still be there when they choose. I’m not a huge fan of trading down but this may make sense.”
This does sound conspiratorial, though……….LOL
And then when you account for the alleged UFO crashes recently, this all makes sense. (Hehe). :p
Idc about what happened with Fedotov, if Michkov is available at 7 I hope the Flyers take him
Caps are the best fit for him. Don’t have to worry about Russia thanks to Putin’s buddy Ovi.