The Russian ended up going seventh overall to the Philadelphia Flyers right before the Washington Capitals were on the clock.

Choosing eighth overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals were said to be "seriously aimed" at drafting Russian winger Matvei Michkov. However, he never fell that far, as the Philadelphia Flyers took him seventh overall -- and for Michkov, that was apparently the best-case scenario.

Per Russian hockey agent Sergei Fedotov, who represents Michkov, the 18-year-old had no desire to be drafted by Washington. He didn't want to go to the Arizona Coyotes, either.

"There was no desire to be in Arizona... Michkov didn't want to get to Washington," Fedotov said in an interview with Sport-Express, adding, "I was asked if Matvei regrets not having gone to Washington... He didn't want to go to Washington."

Fedotov added that an insider's report that he was hoping to fall to eighth in order to go to the Capitals was false.

"Arizona and Washington are the two clubs that are exactly [what he wanted to avoid] for various reasons," Fedotov added.

Washington took Ryan Leonard at No. 8 and was more than happy with that selection, as the team didn't think he would still be there.

The Anaheim Ducks were also reportedly seriously considering the forward at No. 2 who was arguably the second-best forward available behind Connor Bedard. They took Leo Carlsson instead.