Briere: Flyers 'never thought' Michkov would arrive early
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted top prospect Matvei Michkov's early arrival was never part of the team's plan.
"When we drafted (Michkov) last year, we never thought this would happen," Briere said Wednesday at Michkov's introductory press conference. "Part of the reason why he fell to us, 'cause he would've gone a lot earlier, we knew that. We felt we were in a position to wait the three years for him to come, so to have this opportunity is amazing."
The Flyers drafted Michkov seventh overall in 2023. Regarded as one of the top three talents in the draft, Michkov wasn't expected to arrive in the NHL until the 2026-27 campaign due to his KHL contract.
Michkov played last season with HK Sochi in the KHL, on loan from SKA St. Petersburg. The winger tallied 19 goals and 41 points in 47 games to become the first 19-year-old to eclipse 40 points in the KHL since Kirill Kaprizov in 2017.
"We started hearing rumblings after the season that there was a possibility of it happening," Briere explained. "We talked to his representatives, his agents, to help us understand what was going on. They did most of the work. It was definitely exciting the more we realized there was a strong possibility that it could happen."
Michkov was released from his KHL contract on June 25 and signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers on July 1.
"To get him early at 19 years old, to learn under a coach like (John Tortorella) and the coaching staff that we have, I think it's a great opportunity for him and for us to have him early," Briere said.
Michkov has felt the love from the fan base and is ready to hit the ice in the fall.
"It's unreal how the fans have reacted and how welcome (I) felt here coming in," Michkov said through a translator. "At the same time, the main idea right now is getting ready and showing really good hockey for the fans and to play the best game we can play."
The Flyers open the campaign on Oct. 11 against the Vancouver Canucks.