Matvei Michkov
One of the drafts most talented players, but plenty of questions surrounding him
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 172 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing
Team: HK Sochi
Nationality: Russia
The Draft Prospectus Ranking: #3
There was a time not too long ago Matvei Michkov was in contention to be selected first overall at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. As of late 2021, the Russian dynamo was considered on par with Connor Bedard, and the two would battle it out over the next year and a half to become the most coveted prospect in years.
Due to circumstances out of his control, Michkov's draft stock has been reduced significantly, as there’s potential he could fall out of the top-5 come draft night. In 2021, Michkov signed a five-year extension with SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL, which will keep him in Russia through the 2025-26 season. Unlike in other European leagues, NHL teams are unable to buy out KHL contracts, as only the players themselves can do so.
Aside from his contract keeping Michkov out of North America for at least three years, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will also play a significant role in Michkov’s future. Vladamir Putin could force current Russian players to remain in the country under its conscription laws which require all men aged 18-27 to serve at least one year in the military. Philadelphia Flyers’ goaltending prospect Ivan Fedtov has been prevented from joining the organization under this law after he made it known publicly he was preparing to enter the NHL. If Michkov were forced to serve his military time, it would leave him with few options.
“His combination of puck skills, hockey sense and scoring ability is truly elite. He can make offense out of nothing and is lethal inside the offensive zone.” - Corey Pronman, The Athletic
As far as on-ice factors go, there is no question Michkov’s name belongs at the top of this draft class.
Over the first three months of this season, Michkov split time between SKA St. Petersburg and SKA-Neva St. Petersburg of the VHL (Russia’s version of the AHL). While in the KHL, Michkov was struggling to see the ice in what is regarded as the second-best league in the world. Over four games in the KHL, Michkov failed to register a point while barely averaging two minutes a game.
While in the VHL, Michkov was one of the teams leading scorers, recording 14 points in 12 games. As SKA and Michkov wanted to see the 17-year-old with more ice time against top competition, Michkov was loaned to HK Sochi in the KHL - the league's worst team by a fair margin. Since joining Sochi, Michkov has seen around 15 minutes a night playing and producing tremendously with a team that struggled to deliver offensively before his arrival.
🥅 Michkov’s offensive skills are undeniable. He is an elite goal scorer, easily one of the three best in this year's draft. Aside from his fantastic shot, Michkov has a skillset that allows him to find the back of the net in multiple ways.
His shot and his release are outstanding. He can change angles and loads up quickly before snapping off his shot. Aside from creating with the puck, he is just as dangerous without it. He can find soft spots within the defense and puts himself in a position for teammates to pinpoint him. Once the puck reaches his stick, he loves to one-time the biscuit, making him a constant threat on the power play.
Michkov is a playmaker more than just a pure goal scorer. He creates for himself and his teammates as he controls the pace of play with the puck on his stick.
In 2021 at the U18 World Championships, Michkov was one of the most anticipated players heading into the tournament, and he did not disappoint. Leading Russia to a silver medal, Michkov was named tournament MVP and leading scorer, racking up 16 points (12 goals, four assists), beating out names like Bedard, Shane Wright, and Mason McTavish.
Before the 2022 World Junior Championship was canceled due to a COVID outbreak, Michkov had three goals in Russia’s two games. There was plenty of excitement to see how Michkov would perform in the rescheduled summer version of the tournament, but Russia would ultimately be banned from play.
Michkov’s skating is nothing to write home about, but it’s not poor by any means. At times he gets caught stagnant and watches the play develop from afar. A player with his talent should be in constant motion, using his playmaking to impact the game.
His motor could be the one thing holding him back from being elite. There’s a a stereotype that Russian players are dynamic when things are going their way but are easily frustrated when the tide is against them. Hopefully Michkov learn to battle through adversity in even the toughest of times.
🏒 Over the past few months, Michkov has been improving in the defensive end. His positional play is solid, with an active stick within the passing lanes.
Michkov doesn’t have the biggest frame, but he’s willing to throw his body around. In two games at the WJC and the pre-tournament games, he made some bone-crushing hits, which were more than unexpected, and has since continued a bit of a nasty streak.
Remaining in Russia for the next few years, he needs to continue his improvement on the defensive end, as it will pay off when he makes the jump to the NHL.
📊 As mentioned, Michkov is one of the draft's most intriguing prospects. Skill-wise, he has all the talent to be at the top of this draft, as high as number two. His dynamic offensive ability will make him a star in any league.
While Michkov has the talent deserving of a top-3 selection, it doesn’t seem to be trending in that direction. The unknown regarding his future will likely be too much for a team with a top-3 pick to take a chance on. The best landing spot for him would be with a team that already has a strong prospect pool. A team that can survive a few seasons without their top prospect, like the Buffalo Sabres, would be a great landing spot if they were to move up in the first round.
We’ve seen Russian players like Vladamir Tarasenko and Kirill Kaprizov, who took a few years to make their North American debut, blossom into superstars. Nothing is holding Michkov back from doing the same.
I believe Michkov can be selected anywhere between third and seventh overall, depending on who’s willing to take the risk.
📈 📉 Rankings by Top Publications and Insiders
Sportsnet: 3