Michkov is being compared to Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin going into the draft, but concerns about Russia makes it possible he could drop.
As the 2023 NHL Draft gets closer, the Washington Capitals are doing their homework as they prepare to pick eighth overall. The first three picks are pretty much locked in, but after that, anything could happen, as all eyes appear to be on one name in particular: Matvei Michkov.
The top-tier winger is being compared to Alex Ovechkin ahead of the draft and is even being pegged as the best next thing behind Bedard. There's a lot of hype surrounding Michkov, but also concern as he's under contract with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg until 2026, while some scouts have also cited "character issues," as reported by Ryan Kennedy.
Right now, his draft projection is all over the place. Some have him going fourth, while others have him dropping down to 8-10. So, where does he land, and do the Capitals bite the bullet?
Let's take a look at Michkov.
His creativity is unparalleled, and he's known as one of the flashiest players available in this draft. Michkov has displayed elite-scoring prowess, dazzling hands and a high hockey IQ that allows him to craft highlight-reel plays on the fly. Combine that with stellar skating ability and deadly shot, and you have a star in the making.
His production in the KHL is also as high as Ovechkin's was back in 2004, as he has 20 points in 27 games with HC Sochi this season.
However, there are also some concerns. Michkov's backchecking and play in his own zone needs work, and he can do more to utilize his teammates. The 5-10, 148-pound forward also lacks size as well and needs to add size and strength to stand his ground at the highest level, though he's shown that he can keep up with the pros already. And, of course, there are the "character issues," though that could all just be gossip.
The biggest issue, though, is that KHL contract, meaning that teams would have to wait three more seasons before they can see Michkov come overseas. Of course, there's always the ability to break deals, but that's not necessarily as easy as it seems, especially with tensions high in Russia right now. Plus, SKA is owned by the Russian state-controlled energy corporation, Gazpro, so that deal may not be as easy to break as others.
Looking at the reward, the risk is easier for some teams to put aside than others. For clubs drafting higher, there may be a desire to land a highly-touted name that's guaranteed to be ready to play sooner rather than later, which could lead Michkov to drop. However, some clubs may want to set that aside.
If I had to guess, Michkov goes before Washington makes it to the podium. Obviously, though, anything can happen, and if he drops, the Capitals take him in a heartbeat.
General manager Brian MacLellan and the organization don't appear to share any concerns regarding players under contract with the KHL. The club more than happily took Ivan Miroshnichenko last year at 20th, and he was considered one of the steals of the first round while he was also able to break out of his contract early. Evgeny Kuznetsov also terminated his KHL contract early.
So, if there's one organization who has experience with KHLers breaking out of their deals early, it's Washington -- though again, nothing's guaranteed.
Also, with the Ovechkin era ending in the next few years and the team facing a rebuild and needing top players to step in for that aging core, Michkov fits the bill as the next potential elite scorer.
The Capitals could even look into possibly trading up to try and get Michkov earlier, and that could also solve their Kuznetsov problem if they package him and the eighth pick along with another potential sweetener.
However, all signs point to them staying pat and using that pick right now, and the team still has a lot of talent to choose from if Michkov goes earlier, like Dalibor Dvorsky, Ryan Leonard, Zach Benson and David Reinbacher. Washington also interviewed Brayden Yager at the 2023 NHL Combine.
In the end, there will be a lot of choices to make, but MacLellan keeping an eye on Michkov is the right thing for the organization right now.
And, for Michkov, the prospect of being a member of the same team that Ovechkin was is appealing, too.
"That would be cool," Michkov told Match.TV in May, but added, "It's probably too early for me to think about America. I'm in Russia now, I will do my best to gain a foothold in SKA. This is my main task."