Thursday, October 1, 2026
75 ° Clear
75 ° Clear
Matvei Michkov arrived at Flyers Training Camp after a clear offseason of strides, looking different in several ways. The 21-year-old faced backlash last season after arriving out of shape, in Rick Tocchet's words.
During this offseason, the Russian winger took a new approach. He is faster, leaner, having worked on both his game and his English.
Three offseason changes are already shaping Michkov's outlook for the season.
Michkov worked with fellow NHLers Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev during the offseason. That work has paid off heading into this season.
He told reporters at training camp how he divided his time this summer.
Flyers captain Sean Couturier echoed that sentiment, saying he had already seen Michkov's improvement just two days into training camp.
"You can definitely tell he has put in the work; he has put in sacrifices," Sean Couturier said. "He looks in good shape. He's skating well out there, making plays. It's exciting to see. He has always been a big part of our team. We expect that out of him, and he seems to want more. That's encouraging, and it's fun to see."
Michkov said in an interview that he lost 30 pounds this offseason. He entered last season at 205 pounds. Ahead of this season, the official NHL.com listing has him at 172.
He said he already feels the impact on his game.
"I think this is so good for me. You know, I feel right now lighter, lighter right now on ice, and more speed. Every skill, more speed, better speed. This is hard work, too," Michkov added. "I eat right now just good food, but no fast food. You know, no sugar, but no... little bit, maybe day off. I like chocolate, but day off, just day off!"
For the past two seasons, Michkov has relied on a translator for his press conferences. As the 21-year-old approached the microphone to speak with the media, he said he spent the summer practicing his English.
"I know now a little bit better English," Michkov told reporters. "My first year was so hard for me; I stayed in Philly with zero-level English. Second year, a little bit better. Now a little bit better more. This is my first interview in English. This is hard for me, guys, sorry. I think now I'm much better. Philly, this is my second home. ... Thank you, everybody, for the support."
Just two days into training camp, Michkov's offseason changes are already offering hope for a bounce-back season.
Selected seventh overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Michkov made an immediate impact, recording 26 goals and 37 assists as a rookie. Last season, in his sophomore campaign, he took a step back, posting 20 goals and 31 assists across 81 games.
Entering his third season in the NHL, Michkov's offseason changes point to a fundamental focus on things he and his camp have pushed to improve, and just like his fans and teammates, he too will be fuelled by their 2025 playoff appearance and be looking to build ont that.
