(Header/feature image courtesy of Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News) Matvei Michkov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/i-d-do-everything-the-same-matvei-michkov-talks-lane-hutson-rookie-season-goals-for-next-season] may have spent part of his summer dodging a bear at his family’s lakeside cottage in Russia, but it’s clear that nothing—not even a wandering predator—is going to shake his focus heading into the 2025-26 NHL season. The ultra-skilled winger spoke this week [https://rg.org/news/hockey/michkov-is-done-with-lacrosse-goals-one-season-was-enough] about his mindset following a busy offseason for the Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers], one that’s seen Philadelphia add major pieces like Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, and Dan Vladar to a roster hungry for postseason relevance. For Michkov, the message is simple: the time for patience is over. “I like the direction the team is going,” he said. “You can see that everyone wants to make the playoffs and is doing what it takes. I’ve played two seasons in Sochi and now one in Philly, and I still haven’t played a single playoff game. It’s time to change that. I want to grow not just as an individual, but most of all as a team.” It’s hard to imagine a more determined tone from the 20-year-old phenom, who dazzled in his NHL debut season but left the year wanting more—not personally, but competitively. The Flyers battled hard last season, but ultimately fell short of the postseason. That bitter taste is something Michkov clearly hasn’t forgotten. Philadelphia’s offseason moves have raised expectations across the fan base, and Michkov is clearly energized by the idea of a deeper, more talented team around him. But he’s also dialing back some of the flash in favor of focusing on what wins games—especially when it comes to his love-it-or-hate-it signature move: the Michigan goal. Trevor Zegras, now Michkov’s teammate, is arguably the NHL’s most recognizable Michigan maestro. But don’t expect Michkov to try and one-up him just yet. “One season was enough for me,” Michkov said of the scoring maneuver. “I didn’t score once with it, so for now, I’ll leave it aside.” Whether or not he revisits the trick down the road, Michkov’s toolbox remains overflowing. His creativity, offensive instincts, and relentless drive make him one of the most exciting young players in the league—and a vital piece of the Flyers’ push toward playoff contention. Until training camp rolls around, though, he’s spending time with family—and apparently, wildlife. “We were at the family cottage, just relaxing,” Michkov recalled. “Suddenly, we saw a bear crawling out from behind the garage…We didn’t know what to do, so we ran inside. Then he swam across the lake and we ran out to the pier to film it.” If you really want to get philosophical with the whole thing, it’s a moment that feels almost symbolic: an unexpected challenge emerges, Michkov reacts quickly, and then comes right back out to face it head-on. The same mindset will serve him well this season—because in Philadelphia, there are no more garage doors to hide behind.
