Flyers’ Matvei Michkov Impressive in Russia Preseason Game

Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov played in a preseason game in Russia on Thursday.

And he did Michkov things.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ top draft pick this year scored a goal and an assist for his SKA St. Petersburg team against Admiral Vladivostok. Michkov’s team lost, 3-2, in overtime.

BOOM!
🚨 #FueledByPhilly Matvei Michkov (1+1)
2-0 SKA #SochiHockeyOpen pic.twitter.com/cBs6lCtPPg

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) August 3, 2023

After the game, the teams competed in a shootout. Michkov scored what would have been the winning goal, had the shootout counted toward the outcome of the game.

Michkov skated right of center on the shootout, cut toward the net and slid the puck through the five-hole into the net.

In the shootout for fun, add a shootout winner for … guess who?

🚨 #FueledByPhilly Matvei Michkov SO

SKA wins shootout 2-1 #SochiHockeyOpen pic.twitter.com/H8B2lY9jje

— Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) August 3, 2023

One of Michkov’s teammates is 2024 draft-eligible forward Ivan Demidov, who also scored a goal. Demidov is considered one of the top young Russians this season.

Michkov played center along with his normal right wing and helped killed penalties.

The Flyers drafted Michkov seventh overall in June’s draft. Philadelphia made the pick knowing Michkov had a three-year contract to play in Russia. Michkov said he will honor the contract.

Still, the Flyers made the move because of Michkov’s overwhelming talent and star potential. Some draft experts considered Michkov the second-best draft prospect behind consensus No. 1 Connor Bedard.