Written by Izzy Gage
PHILADELPHIA — Matvei Michkov was supposed to be part of the Philadelphia Flyers’ future. General manager Daniel Briere made that clear when the organization selected him in the 2023 NHL Draft, viewing the young forward as someone who could help shape the franchise for years to come.
Now, with trade speculation surrounding Michkov, Briere is defending a player he helped bring to Philadelphia and has continued to identify as an important part of the team’s long-term plans.
Briere addressed the reports on Nov. 11 after rumors surfaced that Michkov wanted a fresh start elsewhere. Following conversations with Michkov and his agent, Paul Theofanous, Briere disputed the claims.
“The report was not correct. Part of the reason why we’re in Edmonton is that this morning we got a chance to meet up with Matvei, and Matvei said it wasn’t from him. He never said anything about that. He doesn’t know where it came from or who it was from. We also spoke to his agent, and his agent swears it wasn’t from him either,” Briere said during a press conference.
“There’s no doubt we believe in him. He’s part of the solution for the future. The reality is he’s one of the pieces. You don’t just win with one player. Matvei is a big piece of that, and we hope it stays that way for the long term,” Briere added.
Michkov also dismissed the trade speculation when asked about the reports.
“I am not worried about all the news. I don’t want to talk or interview - I just need to concentrate on tonight’s game,” Michkov told reporters in a pre-game interview in Edmonton.
Briere’s connection to Michkov dates back to July 2024, when the Flyers brought him to Philadelphia after his KHL contract was terminated and signed him to a three-year entry-level deal.
In the official announcement of Michkov’s signing, Briere made it clear that the organization viewed him as a major part of its plans moving forward.
“We’ve kept a close eye on his development since the draft, and to be able to add a player like Matvei, who brings a high level of talent, skill, and game-breaking abilities, he will be a key piece to our future,” Briere said.
Michkov shared those expectations when he was drafted.
“My biggest wish and expectation is I want to come to Philadelphia and help them win a Stanley Cup. I know they’ve been waiting a long time for one and that’s my goal and why I’m coming,” Michkov said following his selection.
That history makes Briere’s current position significant. As Philadelphia continues its rebuild, he has to balance developing young players with determining what the team needs to become a playoff contender.
Michkov has already shown why the Flyers made that investment. He recorded 26 goals and 63 points during his rookie season in 2024-25, quickly becoming one of the team’s most promising young players.
However, Philadelphia’s struggles this season have complicated the situation. A disagreement between Michkov and teammate Nick Seeler on the bench during a game against Vancouver raised questions about the team’s chemistry.
“It’s like brothers and sisters fighting - it happens. … They’re competitive guys. Matvei is one of the most competitive people and players we’ve had here in a while. When you’re not winning, there are some rifts here and there. … That’s part of the passion,” Briere said while addressing the dispute in a press conference on Nov. 12.
“They don’t accept losing easily, and when it keeps happening the way it’s happened to us this season, the guys are not happy, and they’ll lash out here and there. I’m not worried about that. I’m actually glad they don’t accept it,” he added.
“It’s an emotional game. Everybody wants to win. All of the guys are hungry for wins,” Michkov said when asked about the disagreement.
When asked whether he was happy in Philadelphia, he responded, “Yeah, of course.”
With Michkov approaching restricted free agency after the season, the Flyers will eventually have to address his next contract and his place within the organization.
For now, Briere continues to view Michkov as part of Philadelphia’s future. The bigger question is whether the Flyers can build a team capable of matching the ambitions Michkov expressed when he first arrived, and whether their long-term plans can translate into the success both the organization and its young star envisioned.
