NHL Draft . An event where the clubs of the best league in the world make their choice on the leading and promising, in their opinion, young hockey players. Perhaps the main intrigue of the draft over the past few months has been which club will take Matvey Michkov.
A few years ago, Michkov seriously claimed the role of the draft favorite to become the first Russian after Nail Yakupov, selected under the first overall number. However, a five-year contract with SKA signed in February 2021, as well as the sharp progress of opponents Matvey Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, Leo Karlsson and others, moved the Russian prodigy down several lines in various ratings. Although the same Bedard, selected by the “Chicago Blackhawks” under the first number, spoke very positively about the Russians. Two talents of the generation, by the way, met at the 2021 Junior World Championship. In the final of that tournament, although the Canadians beat the Russians (5:3), it was Michkov who was recognized as the MVP of the championship and became its top scorer, gaining 16 points (12 + 4) . Bedard then scored 14 points (7 + 7) and, together with Matvey, entered the symbolic team of the championship.
«Michkov is a dynamic player, he can both score goals and play a combination. His records in the KHL are special, and his playing qualities make him a great hockey player. Whoever selects Michkov in the draft will be very lucky. Matvey's talent is incredible.»
Connor Bedard
In addition to the difficulties mentioned above, there were also non-game moments that were actively discussed in the hockey backstage and did not add any positive characteristics to Michkov. So, for example, scouts and leaders of some NHL clubs became wary because of the difficult nature of the forward, as they say from the outside, his unwillingness to communicate with representatives of a number of NHL teams, and also because of the ambiguous situation in the world.
br>Because of this, the Philadelphia Flyers, keeping in mind last year's history of not leaving the Russian goaltender Ivan Fedotov, who already had a signed contract with the pilots, who instead of the NHL went to serve in the army, were skeptical about the tempting idea to draft a talented striker.
But in the draft, the Flyers cast aside all doubts and still chose Matvey Michkov with the seventh overall number! Many were very surprised by this outcome, but soon Michkov surprised even more. In his first public appearance after falling into the Philadelphia family, the Russian striker made a number of statements from which a good part of the Pilots' fans were blown away.
«I'm very happy that I ended up in Philadelphia. Incredible emotions. When can I expect in the NHL? Very soon. This is my dream. It means a lot to me. My dream is the Stanley Cup,» Michkov said.
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Later, Philadelphia general manager Daniel Brier admitted that he was impressed by Matvey during an interview with the Russian with his future NHL club, and said that he expressed his desire to get into the Flyers' camp. But fate turned out a little differently, and Michkov could go to Alexander Ovechkin. Over the past weeks, the American media have been actively wooing Matvey to the Washington Capitals, and the “capitals” seemed to be very much not opposed to taking on a new heir, Ovi, the “pilots” were literally one step ahead of them.
The sensations didn't end there. On the one hand, Michkov lost his leadership in numerous pre-draft ratings and was listed in the top 5 at most. On the other hand, Matvey confidently remained the best Russian hockey player. But in reality, everything happened differently, and Dmitry Simashev left the Russians before Michkov. The talented defender of the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv system was selected by the Arizona Coyotes under the sixth overall number — right in front of Matvey.
Even Simashev himself did not expect this. The 18-year-old defender opened his mouth in surprise and did not immediately understand what had happened when he heard his last name so early. Later, the hockey player's agent Dan Milstein, who was next to Dmitry at such a significant moment, admitted that he predicted a high pick in the draft for his client:
“This is not such a big shock. that Dima is one of the best defenders of this draft. A year ago, he promised me that he would come to North America and without an interpreter he would interview with NHL clubs. So he did, talking to everyone fluently in English, gave interviews on the radio and TV, showed what kind of person he is. Due to this, he was rewarded today. Before the draft pick, I told him that he would be selected, but he did not even believe. Therefore, he had such a reaction. «
Simashev will be able to to go to the NHL a year ahead of Michkov — his contract with Lokomotiv runs until the end of the 2024/25 season. As for Matvey, the Flyers are ready to set aside three years to wait for their star. During this time, the Russian will just have time to learn English. So far, the forward gives interviews in North America only in his native language.