Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov shared insights about his NHL debut during a July 19 interview, highlighting the intense challenges he faced on the ice. Playing in the 2024–25 season, Michkov led all rookies with 26 goals and 37 assists over 80 games, establishing himself as a prominent new talent in the league. His first NHL game was against the Vancouver Canucks, where the Flyers secured a 3-2 shootout victory, although Michkov did not record any points and received two penalty minutes for hooking Teddy Blueger.
Michkov vividly recalled competing against established stars Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, who is under an eight-year, $92.8 million contract. The experience was overwhelming in many ways as he adjusted to the pace and environment of NHL play.
“When I went out against Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson, it was like I was playing on a PlayStation,” Michkov said, as quoted by Championat.com’s Anton Nekrasov. “The players were skating around me, my head was spinning, I didn’t understand where I was at all, even the light was falling on the rink differently. Everything was different.
“I was under the impression when I was still doing the rookie lap. I thought, ‘Damn, where did I end up?’ It was such a pleasant excitement.”
Overcoming Early Struggles to Find a Rhythm and Confidence
Michkov admitted feeling lost during the opening period of his debut but gradually found his footing as the game progressed. His growing confidence was reflected by the Flyers’ decision to give him a penalty shot, which he unfortunately missed. Despite the setback, Michkov viewed the opportunity as a motivation boost to improve his performance in subsequent games.
“It gave me even more of a push and mood for the next game to concentrate and really start scoring and passing, helping the team,” Michkov said.
Selected seventh overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, Michkov joined the team the following season and quickly made an impact. He tied for second among rookies in total points with 63, confirming his valuable contribution to the Flyers’ offense.
Michkov’s Self-Evaluation Highlights Areas for Growth in Rookie Season
Despite notable success, Michkov expressed some dissatisfaction with his season’s output during a season-ending interview. He was recognized twice as the NHL’s Rookie of the Month, in October and February—an achievement rare for Flyers rookies over the past three decades—and led rookies in even-strength points. Still, he felt there was room for improvement in his overall scoring.
“Truthfully, there were more moments within the season I felt I could have done better,” Michkov said via NHL.com, through interpreter Slava Kuznetsov. “I could’ve scored a lot more. Not very happy with my result,”
Flyers General Manager Daniel Briere acknowledged the pressure Michkov faced entering a team where expectations for top players run high. Briere praised Michkov for earning the respect of his teammates through his confident demeanor while adapting to his new role.
“The way he did it and at the same time trying to keep his swagger, he earned the players’ respect with how he carried himself,” Briere said.
Michkov’s Milestone Marks a New Chapter in Flyers History
Matvei Michkov’s accomplishments during his rookie season have set a new benchmark for the Flyers. He became the first player under the age of 21 on the team to reach 50 points since the 2000–01 season, signaling his potential to influence the team’s future success. As Michkov continues to develop, his experience facing NHL veterans like Hughes and Pettersson will likely serve as a foundation for greater contributions moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Quinn Hughes not allowed to play?
A. Beth Corcoran is the daughter of Quinn Fabray and Noah Puckerman by birth. In the last episode of Season One, called Journey, Shelby adopts her.
Q. Why is Quinn Hughes not playing?
A. On Sunday, Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin said Quinn Hughes wouldn’t join the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off. Hughes, the Canucks captain, is healing from an oblique injury that has sidelined him for the last four games.
Q. Who replaced Quinn Hughes?
A. Jake Sanderson is taking Quinn Hughes’ spot on Team USA’s roster for the Four Nations Faceoff.
Q. Why wasn’t Quinn Hughes playing?
A. In June, Hughes was among the first six players selected for the U.S. team. However, before the tournament began, a reported oblique injury forced him out. Ottawa Senators’ young player Jake Sanderson took his spot, filling in for McAvoy during a 2-1 defeat to Sweden on Monday night.