Matvei Michkov Putting Flyers Team Over NHL Awards

Philadelphia Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov won his first honor as an NHL player after being named the NHL Rookie of the Month for the month of October.

For the 19-year-old Russian sensation, it’s just that.

The stoic Michkov feels the honor is a team award as much as it is an individual one, and though it is a cool feat, the Flyers rookie is focused on his team and winning the next game.

“We are moving in the right direction. Still a lot of work to do,” Michkov said via Slava Kuznetsov, who interpreted the conversation on Friday. “Some parts (of my game) are working well, some not. Still a work in progress, but getting ready for the next game.

“I want to thank the linemates because, without them, (NHL Rookie of the Month) would not happen.”

Note: Some of Michkov’s responses were edited for clarity.

Michkov, 19, scored four goals, five assists, and nine points in 11 games in October, beating out other contenders, such as Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake, Stars forward Logan Stankoven, Islanders forward Maxim Tsyplakov, Avalanche goalie Justus Annunen, and Devils defenseman Seamus Casey.

By being named the NHL Rookie of the Month for October 2024, Michkov becomes the first Flyers rookie to receive the honor since former Flyers goalie Carter Hart was named Rookie of the Month for January 2019.

And before Hart, you’ll have to go all the way back to November 2010, when Michkov’s countryman, Sergei Bobrovsky, was Rookie of the Month.

That is all to say that, for the better part of the last two decades, the Flyers have not had many rookies play at an elite level, let alone a high level, all that often.

Michkov is writing his own page in the chapter of that story.

Matvei Michkov Impressing Flyers Coaches

Flyers associate coach Brad Shaw, who usually works closely with the team’s defensemen, has a unique perspective when it comes to Michkov’s exploits. His troops have to battle against that every day in practice.

There’s a lot to like about Michkov’s game in the NHL so far, and there’s a few things not to like. That is standard for most young players, and it’s no different for Michkov, who cannot communicate especially well due to the language barrier.

Why John Tortorella Benched Matvei Michkov vs. Blues

“You can see he loves to have the puck on a stick. This is an unforgiving league, really tough League and trying to learn a language, trying to learn how it’s played on this size ice surface,” Shaw said of the star rookie. “I think we all anticipate a few bumps along the road, but for him to come out of the gates that quickly and show what he can do… He’s got a knack for East-West through the top of the zone, and finding lanes that, I’m not sure I’ve seen a guy, especially a forward, have that ability.”

“So, he’s got a lot to learn as a pro hockey player, but I think it’s fantastic that (Michkov’s) come out and and made the impact that he has already and showing people what he can do with the puck.

“I can’t imagine how, with the language barrier– that lone, his age… (Michkov’s) got a lot of things working against him on that learning curve, as far as steepening it, but he’s a driven guy. You see how competitive he is, and there’s no doubt that he’ll sort those things out and become a better hockey player.”