Flyers’ Matvei Michkov delivers message to fans: ‘I’m back’

On Dec. 21, Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov took to Instagram to share a special message for fans. He had two special, important words: “I’m back”.

Matvei Michkov on IG:

“I’m back.”

Michkov getting in some work for the first time since being diagnosed with pneumonia. According to his timeline, his set return is the day after Christmas — December 26. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/M108KKuWLR

— Dylan H. Robillard (@DylanRobillard_) December 21, 2023

The 19-year-old shared a video of himself getting in some solo training, skating around obstacles, using his edges to make turns, and handling the puck in motion. Michkov had previously contracted a case of pneumonia, which has kept him out of action since Dec. 1. The Flyers prospect still managed to appear at the KHL All-Star Game, though he was unable to play in it after being voted in for the first time in his young career.

Michkov had previously been expected to return on Dec. 26, according to a statement made by his club, HK Sochi. The Flyers’ No. 7 overall pick appears to be on track for that return date, given that he has made it clear that he is starting to ramp up his training and starting to get his conditioning back in order. Prior to getting sick, Michkov was having one of the more productive seasons in KHL history, and his production has been especially unprecedented for his age. Even a guy the Philadelphia Flyers know very well, Evgeni Malkin, has a hard time stacking up to Michkov’s 2023-24 campaign thus far.

The teenage sensation had been slowing down prior to falling ill, going without a point in three of his last four games. In total though, Michkov’s body of work has still been very impressive. In 29 games, he has 11 goals, 15 assists, and 26 points. His current pace projects him to finish the season with 21 goals, 28 assists, and 49 points in 56 games played. Michkov’s projection will change, however, based on how much more time he misses, if any at all.

In any case, we’re happy to see that Matvei is now on the mend; pneumonia is no joke, and especially for athletes.

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