Briere tempers expectations for Michkov: 'Gonna be a tough season'

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Danny Briere is doing his best to rein in some hype surrounding 19-year-old forward prospect Matvei Michkov ahead of his first NHL season.

"I don't have a lot of expectation for Matvei," he told reporters Tuesday. "What I hope is for him to figure out how he can take the first step and get better as a player as the season goes on. I'm realistic, it's gonna be a tough season for him. This is the best league in the world. It's a big step. It's not going to be easy.

"So my expectations are actually pretty low. I'm excited to watch him play, but he's going to have to go through a lot before he's the player that he expects to be."

The Flyers drafted Michkov with the seventh overall pick in 2023. He had three seasons remaining on his contract with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg when Philadelphia selected him, which could have pushed his NHL arrival to at least the 2026-27 campaign.

However, the Russian club terminated Michkov's deal in late June, allowing him to head to North America earlier than expected. He signed his three-year, entry-level pact with the Flyers on July 1 and is considered one of the top rookies entering the 2024-25 campaign.

Though Briere isn't expecting Michkov to change the franchise overnight, the executive said he's still looking forward to seeing how he impacts the game.

"I can't wait to see how he's going to create offense," Briere said. "I think his brain is pretty special and he's gonna adapt, but it might not be instant. ... He's gonna figure out where he can be most successful."

Michkov stood out at Philadelphia's rookie camp, scoring a power-play goal Friday against the New York Rangers' youngsters. Briere said he liked what he saw from Michkov in the game, hailing his performance in traffic, physicality, strength on the puck, and ability to extend plays.

The Russian winger could line up next to Sean Couturier or Morgan Frost in Philadelphia's top six, but Briere is leaving the decision to head coach John Tortorella.

"He moves his lines around quite a bit, so I think you're gonna see a lot of different combinations there for Matvei until he figures out what's the best fit and where the best chemistry (is)," Briere said. "Sometimes it's unexpected, but it's also the best feeling in the world when you find that chemistry with someone."

The Flyers begin their preseason schedule Sunday against the Washington Capitals.