Matvei Michkov has been outstanding in his first NHL season. Competing for the Calder Trophy with Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson and Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, Michkov has faced a rough couple of weeks. In Tuesday’s game, he awkwardly collided with a teammate on the ice, but their heartwarming reaction on the bench quickly went viral.
The Philadelphia Flyers selected Michkov 7th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, and he’s proven to be an incredible steal in the 2024-25 season. Michkov started the season in spectacular form, keeping the Calder Trophy race fiercely competitive between himself, Lane Hutson, and Macklin Celebrini.
Earlier this season, Michkov was a point-per-game player. However, he’s been held pointless in 11 of his last 12 games and currently sits at 29 points in 39 games.
Michkov collided with teammate
This puts him second in rookie scoring behind Hutson. Some critics have pointed fingers at Flyers coach John Tortorella, citing Michkov’s dwindling ice time. Over the past two games, Michkov played just 14:05 and 14:27 minutes, respectively.
Tortorella has openly stated that Michkov needs to improve his “play away from the puck,” and when the Flyers are protecting a one-goal lead, Michkov’s ice time is the third lowest among regular Flyers players—suggesting Tortorella doesn’t fully trust the young talent to close out games.
Hilarious moment on the bench
Michkov’s troubles worsened in Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just 10 seconds into the third period, he awkwardly collided with teammate Scott Laughton, and both players appeared shaken as they lay on the ice. Both were sent to the locker room, though Laughton quickly returned to the bench.
Michkov took longer to rejoin, but when he did, fans witnessed a touching moment as Laughton gave the rookie a playful kiss on the helmet. The wholesome gesture was caught on camera, delighting Flyers fans and quickly going viral. Unfortunately, that moment of levity was one of the few bright spots for Flyers supporters, as the team fell to the Maple Leafs, 3-2.
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