{ "blocks": [ { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Washington Capitals have a lot to consider going into the 2023 NHL Draft, where they will make their highest pick since 2007 with the eighth overall selection. All eyes are on Matvei Michkov, and while a report said that the Capitals are \"seriously aimed\" at taking him, there's a concern from the team's scout that's raised some eyebrows." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Washington scout and former player Andrei Nikolishin shared some character concerns surrounding the 18-year-old." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"Full-fledged information is collected about the player: how he talks to partners, how he communicates with coaches, how he behaves off the ice. Many nuances can be revealed,\" Nikolishin told the Slippery Ice Podcast last week, as translated by Google Translate. \"I can show correspondence when I wanted to meet him and, as a scout, ask a few questions and do an interview... I have not seen such disrespect for other people in my life.\"" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman also reported on 32 Thoughts that getting an interview with Michkov has been nearly impossible for several NHL teams visiting Russia, as the only way some clubs have been able to speak with him has been to physically track him down after a game." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "There have also been rumors and speculation about his negativity and attitude toward teammates. In 2020, he and Capitals prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko got in a fight during a Russian junior team training session for the Youth Olympics, though the two have made up and reconciled since." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "\"For me, he's first or second [based on skill],\" Nikolishin added. \"But in character, in relation to teammates, coaching staff, management, fans -- a person has now fallen very low in the eyes of all scouts, all managers.\"" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy also reported back in March that several scouts had similar concerns with Michkov's character.
" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "When it comes down to it, teams can't exactly validate or reject those claims of character concerns without interviewing him. Rumors are also swirling as to whether Michkov's inflexibility and unavailability are being used to help him move down to go to a preferred team. He was also reportedly told not to speak to NHL representatives, per Match TV." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Still, considering those concerns and the fact that he is under KHL contract with SKA Saint Petersburg, where the enigmatic forward will land is a mixed bag as of right now. Some believe the talent alone outweighs those concerns, while others want an NHL-ready player sooner rather than later and would prefer a safer pick that they've gotten to know better." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "In the end, it's hard to believe Washington will pass on him if he does drop to No. 8 given the team's apparent high interest in Michkov, but also considering their aging core, the closing Stanley Cup window and a focus on youth and the future." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft is on Wednesday, June 28." } } ] }

Michkov Watch: Capitals Reportedly Aiming To Take Forward, But Washington Scout Shares Character Concerns