See Why Matvei Michkov Is A 1st Overall Talent | Matvei Michkov Scouting Report | 2022-23 highlights

Matvei Michkov is one of the most exciting prospects for the 2023 NHL Draft. He is a dynamic and creative winger who can score goals in bunches and dazzle with his puck skills. In this video, you will see some of his best highlights from the KHL, MHL and the VHL, where he has dominated against older and stronger competition. Michkov has been compared to elite players like Alex Ovechkin and Nikita Kucherov, and he has the potential to be a franchise player in the NHL. Watch this video to see why Michkov is a must-watch prospect for hockey fans.
2023 NHL Draft Ranking

[@gratefuldude5676]

As a Flyers fan I feel like we were a good landing spot for him. Hopefully in 3 years we have a talented young core to add Michkov to. Going to need some guys currently in the system to produce. I like the moves by our new front office so far. LETS GO FLYERS!

[@Scootermcgruder]

He could be here sooner than that

[@elkanpleat3236]

@gratefuldude5676 WE ARE ALREADY GOOD. GREASE THE POLES

[@ThePhonographStop]

Welcome to Philadelphia!!! #LETSGOFLYERS!!

[@tulllguy]

Flyers have needed a talent like his for ages, drafting one not just trading for one. What were the Habs thinking anyway?

[@williammccarrick6554]

@@tulllguy How can we not feel fantastic. Go Flyers.

[@bigp3441]

Anyone else here after seeing there team not get the 1st oa pick

[@emmanuelhamel-carey8681]

Habs fan here, hopefully he drops at 5, and we gladly pick him up 💪🙏

[@bluechipprospect]

That’s the spirit !!

[@bluechipprospect]

This made me laugh. 😂

[@frostisbestinworld]

Yeah sucks Dallas missed out on it ):

[@quodnomenmihiest6283]

@@emmanuelhamel-carey8681 He just may fall into the Habs hands. I think the Sharks will go with Carlsson or Smith, which could cost them in the end. Not that those players are slouches, it's just that there are so many questions marks regarding Michkov. A bit of a side note, I wish we had a higher second first to have a chance at getting Reinbacher.

[@theramplocal]

Michkov is so sick. He is going to be elite

[@sb0182]

Mix of Kucherov & Kaprisov. The only comparison with Ovechkin is that he has the potential to be a Multiple-50GOAL-seasons scorer. Guy is insane

[@bluechipprospect]

Yeah, he plays nothing like Ovi imo.

[@simoncharette907]

I always enjoy your comments in draft videos, written like poetry.

[@sb0182]

@@simoncharette907 Hahaha thanks buddy

[@sidetrak85]

In what way is he a mix of both? It just seems like you named 2 of the best Russians. Kaprizov is an explosive finisher and Kucherov is a master of possession that seems to have every move thought out instead of relying on instincts. You can't be Crosby and Ovi, they're style contradict eachother.

[@maximusrusso8758]

I see a more shifty and quick Jason Robertson with also some Matthews finishing in tight to the net.

[@andrelevert4484]

I just can't see him going lower than 6, would be perfect for the Habs willing to wait 3 years for that kind of talent :)

[@bengagnon6947]

I think the Habs will take Smith

[@novamf4143]

@@bengagnon6947 Sharks will pick him even though for their team michkov would fit better

[@bengagnon6947]

Such a deep draft jeez honestly they could pick anyone within reason and do good

[@fulstaak]

Kent knows better.

[@VsXLucKy]

​@@bengagnon6947 We must pick the last one left between Carlsson, Smith and Michkov

[@fearedlegend]

Very interesting take on 2 phenomenal talents. Time will tell but I have no doubt both these two players will be stays in the NHL

[@benbochanski9492]

so glad the flyguys drafted him

[@bluechipprospect]

I’m very jealous.

[@brianawilk285]

I just hope it ain't a full 3 years. Al Morganti said there's a chance they may be able to do a buy out and get him a little bit early. I don't think its gonna be a long tanking thing hockey doesn't work that way especially with a coach like Torts. I wouldn't bet that they make the playoffs next year but wont rule it out. They'll definitely be a better team next year and by the time this dude gets there they should be a legitimate playoff contender. This isnt a sixers tank type of strategy like a lot of the Philly sports guys have been saying plus I think deliberately tanking promotes a culture of losers not to mention hasn't worked well for the Sixers.

[@benbochanski9492]

@@brianawilk285 flyers will not be competing for a playoff spot for at least three years. the next few drafts we will have top 10 picks, not because of pure tanking but because our roster is shit. we don’t have the skill in the org atm and our young guys are still developing. as for michy coming over in 3 years i don’t mind that timeline. we drafted foerester three years ago and he’s just cracking the lineup this szn, so three years isn’t a long timeline especially considering michy will be 20-21 in three years.

[@elkanpleat3236]

​@@benbochanski9492well?

[@elkanpleat3236]

@@benbochanski9492 flyers already in the playoff spots :), this team is something else, wish he could come right now and wed be extra competitive, also foerster being 3rd on rookie goals list and ersson being a future star is great.

[@mattanderson6336]

He is only 18 now. Three more years of development would be worth the wait. Like an American kid going to college for further development.

[@johnmckeron3663]

I’m glad we have him still shocked that we got him hope everything works out with the Russia situation

[@sb0182]

Love you channel buddy. Content is great !! Keep it up 👍

[@bluechipprospect]

Thanks, I’m happy you’re enjoying the content.

[@hildamullins5500]

Great honest and perceptive analysis of Michkov. I belive defense can be taught, he must buy in. I believe he will learn the defensive part of the game, if he feels that it will benefit himself and the Team he plays for.

[@danielflood1040]

Such a great video, thank you.

[@bluechipprospect]

Thank you. I’m happy you enjoyed.

[@MC-qe5qb]

Super vidéo, merci. Très intéressant

[@bluechipprospect]

Merci !

[@steventalbott6066]

7:32 this question made me lol I agree that he and Berdard will end up similar in terms of impact. Also with Michkovs draft stock possibly taking a hit for the “Russian/Contract factor” he likely will end up in a better situation when he arrives in the NHL.

[@jleif7736]

I pray my Wings snag him somehow lol.. I think Michkov will end up being the best player in this draft.. I've been watching his tape for 2-3 years now, and it keeps getting better and better.

[@quietautumn987]

Michkov said in one of his interviews a couple of years ago that his fav player is Crosby 😆

[@bluechipprospect]

Oh well, he pays nothing like him 😂

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

There is similarity to their build and game.

[@blackrocks8413]

'can't play basic defense at any level...' Yep, he really is Crosby

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

@@blackrocks8413 who said he can't play defence? Never listen to that guy ever again. Michkov like Ovevhkin will be the player surrounded by most controversal lies, rumors and conspiracy theories. For one reason. He's Russian and Americans are simply racists.

[@bruny_8841]

Habs need this man

[@bluechipprospect]

I agree. If they don't move up with the lottery and he drops, it would be ridiculous to pass on him at 5-6-7.

[@yothythoty729]

Sharks will draft him at 4 imo

[@bruny_8841]

@@yothythoty729 if your right habs will take smith thats is also a stud

[@fulstaak]

150 pounds. I'd say kid, not man.

[@user-ed6nt1ml6p]

great one kinda agree with the Kucherov's comparison way more accurate than the Ovi's comparison but could be close to Ovi in term of goal scoring he just has a more complete tool set in his goal scoring arsenal like you said.. orange flag is the compete in the defensive side of the game he will have to learn how to defend and pressuring the opposite D then he'll be even more dangerous pretty special talent to me he is still the clear number 2 in this draft ps : I don't REALLY care the russian factor 😉

[@sb0182]

To be fair… Ovy didn’t play defence either his first like…… TEN seasons? 😅😂🤣

[@bluechipprospect]

Thanks ! I think he will definitely work on it. He doesn’t need to be an elite defensive winger, he only need to bring it up to an acceptable level where he isn’t t a liability.

[@plrt6794]

Unfortunately it’s hard to make a great comparison with Bedard as they haven’t gone head to head for the last season.

[@joncafe]

Montreal need to draft him u can't just pass on that type of talent. They liked kovalev and kovalchuk for the show we talk about kovalev many years after he's gone, i really hope they draft him it will be a good consolation for bedard.

[@sickopathogen]

Yeah but Kovalev wasn't constant.

[@joncafe]

@@sickopathogen kovalev is kovalev

[@ChooseFreshAtSubway]

Hope he’s gone before Montreal’s pick. Need him on the sharks

[@yothythoty729]

He’ll probably be gone at 4

[@macrost8935]

Montreal needs to draft whoever is left from Carlson, Smith and Michkov, 1 of them has to be there at 5 so Im fine with any of them

[@kingofmemes5017]

I didn't know all of these impressive KHL stats. Habs better pick him over someone like Dvorsky.

[@catchdafever9207]

SJ or MTL. I wish he come to Montréal. Gona be and a long shot guess but so worthy. Crossed fingers.

[@U_r_hopeless]

He’s gonna be going to San jose

[@connerlewis6651]

I would be so pumped. Sharks are already a few years out of being a playoff team again, so why not take the risk and pick up some more top picks in the next couple seasons

[@MrVisde]

Nope. It would be a disaster if they did. Historically the Sharks cannot develop young Russian forwards. Not a good fit.

[@ericscottstevens]

Skates like Pavel Datsyuk with that shifty gate lean. Pavel was never a burner but he could make opponents look really bad trying to guess where he was going. It appears Matvei may be quicker than Pavel.

[@davidboudreault5931]

well the game is faster now way more faster at Datsyuk time...

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

1.Michkov is simply younger. You probably remeber the close toretirement Datsyuk. when he was younger he would be faster too. Also Dats had that bad leg injury at the start of his career. 2.Michkov is certainly not as good as Datsyuk at this point at elusive skating, but he has time. Datsyuk developed his game over the years also. That said, Michkov obviously has the ability to fool defenders with his body language and often uses a quick first step and a quick shot from a weird angle before anybody can react. 3.I don't see Datsuk's read for the game so far. MM is more of tactical genius who would make unpredictable moves within a 10 feet radius. He needs to aquire that Kucherov playmaking kill to fully blossom.

[@ThierryLeYeti]

Great video, I comment for the algorithm

[@bluechipprospect]

Thanks

[@dickjacksen5829]

#3 pick this year.

[@user-ui1ob8ye9w]

I'm think #4.CBJ needs center, and they will pick Karlsson.

[@royanderson3478]

#13 Green jersey ? Is this him?

[@johnq2068]

Chicago should take him

[@ShabbsArt]

is datsyuk a comparable?

[@bluechipprospect]

I would say no. Datsyuk was a dominant 2 way player.

[@christopherfrederick9235]

He’s the second best player in this draft, issue is his contract

[@fulstaak]

Second best player under 15 pds we've never really seen play.

[@Michael_RareZebra]

He’s going to drop like a rock beyond 12

[@bluechipprospect]

Not impossible but I don’t see that happening.

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

His defence is not horrible, it's not even average, it's very, very good, especially for a winger. Him playing on the worst team might fool people there. If the team is THAT bad defensively and overall even the best guy defensively would look lost with everybody around him not being capable of defending on that level. If you look closely at his D-zone game he is actually extremely effective using his read for the game. He is very good at interrupting plays, intercepting passes and poke checks. He is obviously not that great at tackling six foot six defencemen, but he doesn't need to as a small winger. But he does not shy away from board battles. I've seen a whole bunch of talented "war-machines" of 230 pounds who would not really want to ficght for pucks at the boards. Michkov is by no means bad defensively. If anything he as a supertalent always the double underager who jumps to next levels very quickly and often and has to learn. Maybe he tried out of habit some junior things at the start. Obviously last season he had to adjust to the KHL game which is vastly superior to juniors. Especially the physicality and defence. But he has learned really fast like he always does. I see no problem whatsoever with his defensive game going forward. He probably won't play for SKA to start the season at least. They will continue to loan him out to Sochi. They have already sent another young player out on a loan. They are obviously looking to build a veteran contending team. If Michkov starts to score at will in the KHL I can see SKA bringing him back of course. I would not be as confident about Bedard. Bedard has not played a game of hockey aginst men. To say his skating or a whatever other skill is going to translate better to men's hockey is pure nonsense. In fact they are very similar in their skating style strengths and weaknesses. Michkov has a head start on Bedard there in terms of experience and has a whole season of KHL hockey behind him and some senior national team games. The play at 14:02 is Michkov's signature PP move. Quick two steps and a wicked release. He gets the puck to rise very effectively to create a very unusual trajectory shootung way sooner than goalies expect. So there goes the release argument. That long range wrister from the boards perfectly placed under the bar is deadly.

[@AngelJoe99]

I can't believe that MTL could pass on Michkov. I just don't think it's true. Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, Smith... Then why pass, if the guy you wanted, Will Smith is gone? I have a feeling that it's either gonna be Michkov or Smith... Simply the left over from San Jose. Also, the season 23-24, wil be very hard for the Habs... Probably an equivalent pick next year... Let's go all in...

[@bluechipprospect]

Completely agree. Just take who’s left from the top 5. Don’t need to galaxy brain that pick.

[@tails14202]

Yep just did. I'm done with Habs. Image Pittsburgh or Washington passing on Ovechkin or Malkin because he is Russian...... Kent Hughes is a 🤡

[@carlschiller5646]

He's 172 pounds not 148.

[@bluechipprospect]

Depends where you get the info from. I got it from the KHL and VHL website 🤷‍♂️

[@gb8279]

Man, how can you pass on this kid?

[@tails14202]

Montreal is dumb

[@user-vj5xw1ss2k]

Ovechkin - physical data - charisma = Michkov. From Russia with love/

[@bluechipprospect]

Haha, could say that.

[@JoeBoozer]

Let's hope habs get him

[@tulllguy]

you had a chance and blew it, and Briere thanks you.

[@arseniysheremetyev7025]

Michkov is more older that you know)))

[@Clowis]

😂😂 what do you mean?

[@arseniysheremetyev7025]

@@Clowis I mean that his real age +2 years that you know

[@bluechipprospect]

@@arseniysheremetyev7025 well if he’s 20 and 147 pounds, it’s not looking good 😂

[@KT-qw1ws]

Whoever takes him, just tank for 3 years so he might be oldest player on team

[@jozefmasny8349]

He most likely won't be allowed to leave Russia. So... No matter how good he is, the pick is very risky.

[@stanleyfranks9891]

Yea because all the Russians currently in the NHL that have been going back and forth between russia and north america are being stopped from doing so😂😂😂😂

[@jozefmasny8349]

@@stanleyfranks9891 Those who are already in the NHL can do that. But those who want to go overseas are stopped nowadays. Remember Ivan Fedotov?

[@bluechipprospect]

Considering Ivan Miroshnichenko just bought out his contract and signed in the NHL and Michkov’s agent saying he will be at the draft, I’m not very concern with those things.

[@jozefmasny8349]

@@bluechipprospect I read that Miroshnitchenko has cancer.

[@xlr0gd205]

@@jozefmasny8349 had. It was kinda gone by the time he got drafted by Washington. If it doesn't return within the next 14 years (it takes cancer 15 years to completely disappear), then it's over

[@maximusrusso8758]

If the habs pass on him I'm quitting hockey fandom

[@maximusrusso8758]

5th overall, pick the one guy left from Carlsson/Smith/Michkov. Those 3 are a no brainer.

[@bluechipprospect]

I agree. At least they didn’t move back so they get to pick one of the top 5. If they have the same top 5

[@lonlevinholler74]

Flyers got a STEAL with the 7th pick!

[@Hootsmcgee]

My buddy and I think he’ll drop, that’s just our opinion (due to his KHL contract )

[@bluechipprospect]

Drop how much ?

[@Hootsmcgee]

6ovr

[@bluechipprospect]

I think that is very possible.

[@michaelwhiter4308]

He won’t drop as much as you think

[@s.b.3275]

He's going 3 or 4

[@Sjrick]

I never watched a video that gives his downsides as well. Never knew them. Also he is the equivalent of Joel Embiid for the 76ers. We had to wait 3 years as well.

[@blackrocks8413]

well you have to wait 4. He's comitted to 3 there and only comes over in the 4th

[@michaelwhiter4308]

I think he goes 3 or 4, unlikely he will still be available at 5

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Still Russian, not Canadian 😅😉🙂🙃🏒

[@2001lextalionis]

yeah 147 pounds, he is still just a kid but wow the upside

[@bluechipprospect]

Hockey DB have him at 172 lbs. I don’t know where they get their info but both the VHL and KHL have him at 147 lbs. Pretty light !

[@jamesseelye1866]

I am praying somehow, some way, Tampa ends up with him. Can you imagine Kuch and Michkov on the same team? 😳😳🤯

[@bluechipprospect]

Jeez, good luck with that 😂 Would be crazy though.

[@xlr0gd205]

Point > Michkov as of now. Makes no sense to put Michkov with Kucherov

[@animepopuproar281]

^michkov is better than bedard imo

[@bluechipprospect]

Better ? That’s a bold statement!

[@stanleyfranks9891]

@@bluechipprospect He did win the mvp when Canada won before covid

[@mikivalenta1]

ill be really upset if sharks pass on him

[@tails14202]

Montreal are 🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@elinunez7606]

Too risky. He might be drafted by the Russian army and sent to war.

[@MrVisde]

I think his hockey contract fulfills his military duty.

[@oggamer735]

KHL have go wayyyy down with skill after Ruzzia started the war against it’s innocent neighbour Ukraine. Almost every non Ruzzinazi have left that series. Can’t compare those player stat’s to this last season. KHL is not even in top 5 league in the world anymore.

[@McLongjr]

Lmfao what did he sayyyyyy?

[@jleif7736]

LOL ahh yes. Just like most NHL players left American/Canada NHL teams when we invaded Iraq, Afghanistan, and started a g*nocide in Syria.. Oh wait XD

[@oggamer735]

@@jleif7736 what the hl are you babbling about? It is just a fact that after russia last year started all out war against Ukraine most NON Russian players did leave KHL. Most National teams dont let players to come play for theyre nationalteam if they still play in Ruzzia. Before 2022 KHL teams had like 5-15 players outside of Russia and after war started they have maybe 1 and some teams don’t have even that. It has affected skill level of the league, or do you really think NHL would be just as good if they would have players only from US? NO!

[@fulstaak]

Better than the other dudes... based on 20 games. Sure. Malkin, Ovi? Give me a break. At 148lbs he'll die after 10 hits in the NHL. No D skills? Who needs that.. Add the Russia factor, and I don't see him get drafted in the first round. People who think he should be drafted top 5 need to take a chill pill.

[@bluechipprospect]

You don’t see him being drafted in first round ? And after that you say that people who think he’s a top 5 talent need to take a chill pill …😬

[@fulstaak]

@@bluechipprospect Risk is too high and there is a pool of great prospects in turn one. Scouts can't even see him play. What GM is going to risk a good choice based on KZbin videos? Will he ever get out of Russia? He's missing 50 pounds. A lot of kids today in the NHL are really talented. He's not that special.

[@jleif7736]

@@fulstaak wtf are you talking about? Do you even understand this topic, at even an elementary level? "Scouts can't even see him play" uhh? Every single NHL team right now on the roster, has probably 3-4 Russian scouts in their staff lmfao. Same with EU, NA.. I mean at least sound smart when you're making a ridiculous take.

[@lonlevinholler74]

That post aged well😅

[@s.b.3275]

You shouldn't be worried about his defense, he has 3 years to improve and the drive to be the best.

[@bluechipprospect]

Yeah I’m not necessarily worried about it. But at this moment it’s really bad. Obviously he has all the time to get better and he will be very well surrounded at SKA.

[@s.b.3275]

@@bluechipprospect players like him take longer to figure things out defensively because they have always been way ahead of the competition. Give him 3 years and he's going to be a force in the NHL.

[@bengagnon6947]

You said you think he'll have more points than Bedard??? Lmao i don't mean to be rude man but you need to sober up here hahaha

[@bluechipprospect]

Maybe it’s my English lol but it’s not the way I meant it. I say that I think Bedard will score more goals but I’m not sure he will outscore Michkov in total points. I see them as being in the same tier as NHL player in their prime. I don’t see Michkov being a superior player than Bedard. At least it’s not the way I meant it. I hope I’m making it clearer.

[@stanleyfranks9891]

Last Time Bedard and Michkov played in the same tourney Michkov outscored Bedard and won the MVP!!! Maybe look into things before speaking... maybe this vid will help you!! Also, no ones saying Bedard is trash just saying this Michkov kid is just as good if not better!!kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3y0lmSKncqSa7s

[@s.b.3275]

Yup Michkov has perennial 100+ point player potential. He's very similar to how Kaprizov plays and I wouldn't worry about his defense, he's a competitor and wants to be the best.

[@bengagnon6947]

@blue chip prospect your English is ok buddy. Bedard had I think 72 goals and 71 assists this yeah so his goals and assists are equal so I don't agree with you on that one but I could be wrong we'll see how he does. Thanks for replying!!!

[@TpsTerminator]

I dont see team pass over him, but if they enough stupid too... I wish habs will grab him. Caufield-Suzuki-Michkov