Matvei Michkov 'isn't as untouchable' as once thought after highly disappointing playoff run with Philadelphia Flyers (report)

"While the Flyers are certainly in no rush to move Michkov, it feels like he isn't as untouchable as we once thought. Speaking with team sources earlier in the week, DFO was told that the Flyers would "listen on everyone" if it meant improving the team - which is what every good NHL team does. But given that this was said during a conversation regarding Michkov, it is at least somewhat noteworthy given that the word "untouchable" had been synonymous with him in the past."

"Michkov did not play in Game 5 of Philadelphia's series against the Penguins or in Game 4 against the Hurricanes, both of which were Flyers losses. In the playoffs, he averaged just 11:49 of time on ice per game, 3:01 less than he averaged during the regular season (14:50). Head coach Rick Tocchet had already reduced Michkov's role from the 16:41 he averaged during his rookie 2024-25 season."

"Perhaps more concerning was his postseason effort, which saw him produce just one assist in eight games and sit out as a healthy scratch multiple times. According to the Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco, those struggles have made Michkov potentially less "untouchable" than previously thought, as the team plans to listen on players in trade discussions this summer."

""It's coach's decision," Michkov said during his season-ending media availability. "I'm a player that should go on the ice and do my job. If the coach decides I have to miss the game, I have to take it. Go back on the ice, train, and work for the best. Unf""

Matvei Michkov followed a 63-point rookie season with 51 points in his second NHL season. His postseason output totaled one assist across eight games, and he was a healthy scratch multiple times. The Flyers qualified for the playoffs, eliminated the Penguins in the first round, and were swept by the Hurricanes in the second round. Team sources indicate the Flyers plan to “listen on everyone” in trade discussions this summer, including Michkov, if it improves the roster. Michkov missed Game 5 versus Pittsburgh and Game 4 versus Carolina. His average ice time dropped to 11:49 in the playoffs, and head coach Rick Tocchet had already reduced his regular-season role.

Read at RMNB