As IIHF bans persist, Michkov eyes a long-awaited return to the international stage.
It has been four years since Russia was last eligible to participate in any IIHF events, and while the nation's ban has been extended for at least another year, young Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov is confident he'll get his chance to represent his country internationally once again.
Michkov, 21, last played for Russia on the international stage in the 2022-23 season, captaining the Russia U20 and U25 squads, scoring two points in two games with the U20s and four points in 11 games with the U25s.
Of course, among the phenom winger's claims to fame are feats like becoming the youngest player to ever play for Russia's men's team at only 16 years old, as well as his prolific 12-goal, 16-point showing at the 2021 World Junior Championships, earning MVP honors, leading the tournament in scoring, and setting the record for most goals ever scored by a Russian player in an individual U18 tournament.
"If it's up to me, of course I would like to play," Michkov told Sport Day By Day's Alexander Kovokin of the 2028 World Cup of Hockey in a late July interview.
"We'll talk when they're reinstated. Of course, I would really like the Russian national team to play at the international level. Everyone would. I think it's only a matter of time. Unfortunately, not everything depends on us."
Now, there are no guarantees Michkov gets a spot on a new iteration of a Russian national team, though it's more likely than ever before with retirement on the horizon for stars like Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin.
Back in February, Russian hockey legends Igor Larionov and Ilya Vorobyov each left Michkov off their respective hypothetical Russia rosters, but with the IIHF ban, Father Time will have a big say in how things ultimately shake out for his peers, too.
Kavokin would also ask the Flyers starlet if he still hopes to play for Russia at a big tournament, a question to which Michkov gave an all-time answer.
Michkov responded, "Have you written me off already?"
A fair rhetorical question from the 2023 No. 7 overall pick, who has been arguably the most polarizing young player in the NHL over the last year.
In general terms, it has been a civil war between one group of hockey fans who criticize his playstyle and approach to last offseason, while the opposing faction gives plaudits at every turn, referencing challenges like the language barrier and Rick Tocchet's approach to managing the Flyers' lineup.
Both sides make valid points, but it's clear that Michkov knows the spotlight is following him now after a turbulent 2025-26 season.
The top Flyers draft pick still managed 20 goals, 31 assists, and 51 points in spite of everything that went on, and he was still just 20 years old on opening night last year.
Heading into a crucial contract year, it will be imperative that Michkov delivers his best season yet, and an impressive campaign should put him firmly back on the international radar for Russia going forward.
