Matvei Michkov is off the board and has been taken seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. The Washington Capitals were said to be "seriously aimed" at taking him.
Matvei Michkov was the NHL Draft's man of mystery, and now, he's off the board.
The Russian didn't make it past No. 7, as the Philadelphia Flyers called Michkov's name with their high first-round pick.
Philadelphia was said to be interested in Michkov, as Danny Briere appeared open to taking the enigmatic prospect while speaking in a pre-draft presser earlier in the week.
There was speculation that Michkov would fall to the lower part of the top 10 amid concerns over his lengthy KHL contract that goes until 2026, reported "character issues" and difficulty for NHL representatives to meet with him over the course of the regular season.
However, he met with teams when he arrived in Nashville.
Michkov was pegged to be the Washington Capitals' first choice, as the team was reportedly "seriously aimed" at taking him. They are not on the clock until No. 8 and had been rumored to have explored avenues to move up.
It's not the first surprise of this draft, as the Anaheim Ducks took Leo Carlsson over Adam Fantilli second overall. Fantilli went to the Columbus Blue Jackets.