VOORHEES — Matvei Michkov’s 2026-27 has barely even begun. Three months from now, the positive feelings surrounding Michkov on Day 1 of Philadelphia Flyers training camp could seem like something out of a totally different timeline or alternate reality.
All that said, Thursday really could not have went any better for Michkov, and the Flyers.
Signs were already positive regarding Michkov heading into Day 1 of camp. The slow drip of Michkov workout videos certainly implied that he was taking the 2026 summer very seriously in terms of training. And then, his in-depth Russian language interview sealed the deal — he admitted point-blank that he had slacked off the previous summer, made it clear he wasn’t making the same mistake this time, and slipped in the jaw-dropping tidbit that he was now 30 pounds lighter than he was at the start of camp 12 months earlier.
Still, that interview was completed in Michkov’s first language (Russian), and in a relaxed setting. There was no hard evidence beyond Michkov’s word that he had truly put 2025 behind him. It would take Day 1 of 2026 Flyers training camp — with all eyes on him — to confirm whether the positive vibes would make it to North American shores.
Those vibes didn’t merely survive the journey. They’re straight up thriving at the moment. Michkov, intentionally or no, addressed essentially every item on the “Things Fans Are Worried About” Michkov checklist, and did so in especially reassuring fashion.
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7 Comments
Andrew Fernandes
This is great news on so many levels. That’s amazing self awareness from someone so young and sets up a year that will quiet all the doubters.
It also shows growth from Toc as no one likes to apologize but to do so publicly and build on their relationship puts to bed the “he hates Russians” narrative.
Finally, we know some of this came from the top down to make this right and shows that yes, DB & KJ are former Flyers but they aren’t the old guard.
Super excited for the season!
jonas
This is about as good as we all could have hoped for. It will take time to see if it bears fruit, but I’m optimistic.
Alex Ettinger
Great write up (as always), Charlie. Can’t wait for the season to start
Warren Broudy
Let’s go flyers and please much better pp and pk …
ifollowcharlieo
All of this was my expected outcome for the start of this season. Well, not the great English interview part.
But, he took the blame for his conditioning last year. He didn’t deny it. He was embarrassed.
30 pounds is crazy. I fully expected him to come back in shape, though.
He may not become an all-star. But, I expect him to become one.
Jonathan Riendeau
It is the best of times
David LaVeck
You captured this important moment in Michkov’s Flyers career perfectly, well done! I am glad that you appreciated the interview as much as I did any and Flyers fan should. He really hit a grand slam on this day and his future is once again looking bright. I now feel better about him reaching his ceiling in a Flyers uniform again as last season put this in question. Matvei might have also made himself a lot of $ with his dedication, good for him!