Matvei Michkov is proving that the hype around him is well and truly deserved.

There's putting pressure on an exciting young player, and then there's calling him the best Russian prospect since Alexander Ovechkin. 

For Matvei Michkov, who was drafted 7th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, being compared to one of the game's greatest certainly sets some lofty expectations (especially before he's even played an NHL game), but he's already showing Flyers fans that he's more than capable of backing up the hype. 

Michkov has been blowing the minds of hockey fans since the 2019-20 season, where, at just 15 years old, he was a commanding force in the Russian U16 league. In the leadup to the 2023 NHL Draft, his name was up there with Connor Bedard in conversations about who the best player in that draft class was. 

Currently playing in the KHL, on loan to Sochi HC from SKA St. Petersburg, Michkov has already started 2024 off in a dominant fashion. Just barely 19 years old playing against hardened grown men, Michkov kicked off the year with a clever goal to put Sochi HC up 2-0 against Metallurg Magnitogorsk. 

He may make it look as easy as riding a bike, but make no mistake—having such adept goalscoring instincts and levelheadedness in high-pressure situations in front of the net is not something every 19-year-old hockey player possesses. 

The incredible thing is that that goal wasn't the sole highlight of Michkov's game. 

Firstly, in true college-age hockey superstar form, he attempted a Michigan. 

Then, once Metallurg tied things up and forced overtime, Michkov pulled out a nasty bit of skill that that opposing defender will be talking about in therapy for years to come. 

The control, handling of the puck, and complete fearlessness cannot be overstated. Sochi didn't even end up winning the game, but all anyone could talk about was the simply unbelievable maturity and talent of Michkov. 

The wait to see Ovechkin's (potential) heir in orange and black will feel like centuries, but Flyers fans can rest assured that Michkov will provide plenty of highlight reels to pass the time until he arrives in Philadelphia. 

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Related: When will Matvei Michkov come to North America? 

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