When You're the Best Prospect in the World and NOBODY Cares

[@RobTalksHockey]

Are these two phenoms underrated?

[@ChuckyDoll79]

Both of them wanted to play for the team they wanted the most. Demidov wanted to play in Montréal, Mitchov wanted to play in Philadelphia. Team managers do not want to draft a player who doesn't want to play for them.

[@Mike-jm4gg]

@@ChuckyDoll79This☝️!

[@wooderice64]

@@ChuckyDoll79 Unless you're Chuck Fletcher...

[@Kikuchan88]

Yes, they are. And many Habs fans would like to see Demidov come to North America rather sooner than later, even this season, since SKA Petersburg coach doesn't seem to want to make him play and this harms Demidov's development. The kid is the 2nd or 3rd best scorer on the team but the coach doesn't hesitate to only make him play 4 to 7 minutes in some games. Make it make sense.

[@johnwiklander4788]

Hard to tell the status on khl these days. Must be like 100-200 top players gone from the league, since the war whit Ukraine started.

[@Whatisahandlehuh]

As a flyers fan - that’s okay. We’re fine with no one talking about our rookie ….. it’s better off that way 😂

[@LeDardeursPalace]

Right !? Our amazing draft picks almost always fucking crumble for some reason, let him fly under the radar until he cannot be ignored.

[@Keboomrang]

In Quebec, the fans pissed off en tabarnak....when the habs pick Reinbacher instead Michkov

[@sl-wt6ge]

​@@LeDardeursPalacewe have the same problem in mtl media always putting the spotlight and pressure on too early

[@boomer1049]

Mad Russian 😅

[@komirules]

Mitchkov sucks. Nhl season hasn’t started.

[@ScoobyDubaiDoo]

"so far this season he has made a seamless transition into the nhl" its pre season.

[@Michael-pg7rv]

Yea let's wait for at least 20 games played in the regular season.

[@igonnawrecku]

Still early but he now has 9 points in 8 games to start the regular season

[@Tampafan33]

@@igonnawreckuyeah he has 9 in 12 and still looks amazing. Dude is 19 and looks like a veteran playing

[@simoncaton1226]

One thing I’d like to mention. There is something to be said about playing in the KHL. You aren’t just playing against these guys. You’re practicing against these guys and competing against experienced pros for a spot in their team. You’re also in and around these guys all day. It’s a step up in fitness levels and overall expectation with more of a focus on winning.

[@eliaminator2313]

There's basically 2 reasons why he slid for me 1. He seemed to only want to play for a few teams (we don't know how many or how serious he was on destination) 2. The obvious main reason, GMs are impatient with Michkov having a 3 year KHL contract after his draft scared a lot of GMs away as half the GMs drafting in the top 7 probably end up fired before Michkov was even expected to play an NHL game so they want someone that could've made an impact sooner to help them keep their jobs while exiting the rebuilds

[@jfkst1]

Yeah I thought he told teams he wouldn't play for them.

[@DurtGurty]

My guess is he won’t be underrated after his first 10 games

[@1zumiez8]

He’s not underrated. He was projected 1 & 2 Bedard and Michkov. Flyers took a gamble on Russian factor, clubs thought he wouldn’t be available for a longer period of time

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

@@1zumiez8 He was never a projected #1. Bedard was the consensus #1. Michkov ranked #3 in the highest draft rankings.

[@рекпнамро]

@@xOogieBoogie3x Before Russia invaded Ukraine

[@xOogieBoogie3x]

@@рекпнамро he was NEVER a #1 in literally any draft board. His highest rank was #3. Those aren't political rankings; they don't care about the war - they go by talent. This fantasy where he was a consensus #1 pick is pure Philadelphia copium.

[@рекпнамро]

@@xOogieBoogie3x Did you start following the ratings in 2023?

[@jeffcohnphoto]

It's pre-season. I'm confident he'll live up to it and continue, but it hasn't happened yet.

[@AlexandreB64]

Why in the tabarnak 😂😂😂

[@sebcharb7313]

de calice d'osti

[@mariodumont9417]

Yont chier ça en Asti

[@stockey]

Sacrament de colisse de tabarnak.

[@nucks4life11]

You should learn to spell words you don't know.

[@MrJayehawk]

That was a quality line.

[@cb84capri]

Guy had a KHL contract at the time of his draft, that's why he slid back.

[@justfred6863]

Still very dumb... The teams that passed on him were rebuilders, and the one that drafted him was a team pushing for the playoffs.

[@jeuce9304]

Also apparently he told multiple teams he would sign only in Philly

[@Feurmc_]

@@jeuce9304he was open to go to mtl but it was reported that the management was supposedly more high on demidov instead of michkov

[@ryanhammond7730]

@@justfred6863Philly is and was a rebuilder. The playoff run was a surprise, but if you look at the moves we made that offseason, then at the deadline, and now this offseason they’re still clearly in a rebuilding phase.

[@michaelkeller5927]

There was also a new war going on that russia started and the fear that conscription would happen in russia.

[@lethanosjames2976]

I might be coping but i think Mitchkov simply did not want to play in Canada, maybe the habs were trying to avoid an Adam Fox situation

[@sl-wt6ge]

The habs have inside infos concerning ska (Nick Bobrov's father) if there was a chance Mitchkov wanted to play here they probably would have taken him

[@lethanosjames2976]

@@sl-wt6ge exactly my thought

[@joneschad2810]

Ima habs fan, and this is cope my friend

[@efaanshyper]

@@joneschad2810 that's why you are in the the low percentage category of a brain dead Habs fan.

[@chrispswann6825]

In his draft year Alexei Cherepanov had 15 goals and 28 points in 46 games playing in the Russian Elite League. Compare that to Ovechkin who had 13 goals and 24 points in 53 games playing in the same league during his draft year. Sad that Cherepanov passed away so we never saw how good he was going to be. He probably would have been one of the greatest players of his generation

[@aslkdmskfm]

He was playing for a good team (avangard omsk if I'm not mistaking), ovechkin on the other hand for dynamo which is kinda mediocre in hockey

[@wally9745]

Its nice to see potential generational talent not have the hype train surrounding them so they can take time to develop without the pressure

[@JackGilb]

Love your videos! Theyre always fantastic to listen to while walking the dog and driving to/from work

[@spockkill]

You forgot a word. A seamless transition into the NHL...preseason.

[@TheCoatHangers]

Obviously

[@MrDecelles]

Mitchkov was 2 main factors a) bad interview (for canadiens) indicating a bad match for the canadiens players. b) war in Ukraine/russia with possible limitation on players. Bedard, Fantili, Carlsson are not bad pick and were more "sure hits". Will Smith and Reinbacher (4th and 5th) were " safe" Dmitriy Simashev ... I have no clue why he was chosen over Mitchkov!!!!

[@Remmy0930]

Why was he a bad interview? Genuinely curious.

[@savax1551]

@@Remmy0930 we likely will never know as it does hold a bit of privacy, but that is a reason i heard as well and who knows it might just be true with the amount of times our Gm talks about team culture

[@18wheeler76]

@@savax1551 I bet he did bad interview on purpose because as a Russian wtf would he want to play in Montreal when Canadians legitly disrespect Russian players since the 1970's

[@savax1551]

@@18wheeler76 however you dress it you started with you bet... that is not a proof of anything aside from your willingness to believe it. I am not saying your wrong i just don't care that much about a situation that i was not a part of personally

[@JUS_-ux8ky]

He told the coyotes he didn’t wanna play for them look it up on google

[@rodlangwayfanclub6548]

Great video! After scoring 8 points in his first 10 games without PP time, Demidov is currently being given 3-6 minutes per game. The KHL is a frustrating league!

[@burno7799]

As a Flyers Fan I'M SO STOKED! I've been going to games since Gretzky was winning cups in Edmonton. Lindros was absolutely amazing and worth everything and the hype. Now we get Michkov!

[@stevenst6337]

Got him in fantasy as one of my last picks along with Lane Hutson. Banking on some youth in the later rounds.

[@yarya7777]

That MHL pace you showed for Michkov was his Draft -1 year where Demidov was his Draft year, something to consider. But I definitely don't doubt that Demidov is gonna be a stud.

[@komirules]

Demidov>>mitchkov

[@Flyers48]

@@komirules lol nah. Michkov has better production or is in higher league at every single age.

[@AbsoluteADCC]

It will be interesting to watch him. The interesting fact is that not many experts in Russia believe Michkov has a potential of an NHL superstar or a franchise player. They are all raving about Ivan Demidov though.

[@alexanderzuev418]

He has a very bad character, he talks a lot and doesn't get along well with others.

[@AbsoluteADCC]

@@alexanderzuev418 just like Nikita Filatov back in the days?

[@brianschnepp5770]

Thats a bad rumor… every Flyer has had nothing but great things to say about him. He’s done nothing but come over, work his ass off and learn english lol No one is raving about Demidov haha sorry MTl

[@topgoat4421]

I still remember watching Montréal pass on Mitchkov during the draft and feeling gutted. Glad they smartened up and took Demidov. Cannot imagine what would have been had they drafted both Russians.

[@Renegade322]

I was super hoping Philly would get deimdov as well, it wouldve felt stacked

[@AKmumu]

Maybe Michkov didnt want to play in Canada, its really that simple. Imagine if they drafted him and he decided to stay in Russia, people would be complaining about it too

[@Renegade322]

@@AKmumu It is possible, but I mean in all likelihood, I understand with how the world was during the 2023 draft, they may have believed that it might not even been in the players control, and that they just wouldnt be allowed to come over because of the political climate in 3 years after the draft. I know I wouldve been thinking about that in 2023

[@AltJon10]

The reality is they would have had 3 core pieces under 5'10, and a 5'11 no.1 center, and they'd never win anything, as hard as that might be for people to admit...

[@thai2go]

They were smart to pass on a guy that didn’t want to play for them 💁‍♂️

[@oddity4all2see]

I was ecstatic when my flyers got Russian Bedardsky. I was stoked when I knew we got him early. From the moment I saw him play I knew briere will get us a cup. He still has a bitter taste in his mouth (as we all do) about the 2010 finals. He came back to Philly to take care of unfinished business. We also have the best goalie prospect in the world in Russia . Egor zavragin. We won't see him until may of 2027. Unfortunately we need him now. A star like him means nothing without solid goaltending. But michkov is a treat to watch

[@Veopoz]

I don't think they passed on Mitckov He probably didn't want to be in MTL He wanted to be in a market where he is the Juggernaut. All the attention

[@billblake9665]

telling you now he wants the puck because he knows what he can do.....made for the spotlight.

[@danielgareau2836]

You draft him anyway and then trade him if you have to. The Nordiques still picked Lindros when he said he didn't want to play for them. But then they traded him to Philly for what would become the foundation of the Avs first Stanley Cup win in 1996.

[@archstanton2719]

That would be Montreal, it's all they have.

[@LgtFTW]

@@danielgareau2836 and get nothing for him because they have no leverage, montreal got the consensus number 1 dman in the draft. We won't know if they made the right move for a few more years

[@thomy1955]

​@@danielgareau2836how much value does a guy from russia on a three contract in the KHL has, that never will play for your team?

[@Yokes27]

Myself along with 4 other close friends that are season tix holders were just talking about this the other night and we just don't care. I really think itll help keep some pressure off from our "passionate" fanbase

[@mashmarttv]

I took some notes from your golden eye !!🎶

[@buttdyno]

a++++ music choice

[@KrillTheThrill97]

Just wait for him to score a highlight reel goal, he’ll be all over social media in no time. He’s too good!

[@JudgeDrey]

You better be right Rob. I'm holding you to this! lol

[@LawrenceViola-s8i]

He did tell multiple teams in that top 7 that he wouldn’t come over if they drafted him so it kinda makes sense that he slid since why potentially waste a top 7 pick on someone that won’t come over

[@Thathockeybro]

Not even true😂 He was still contracted to the KHL at the time of the draft

[@LawrenceViola-s8i]

@@Thathockeybro ya and he told teams that he way stay in the KHL if they drafted him. Do your research…

[@Thathockeybro]

@@LawrenceViola-s8i That just didn't happen bro

[@francisvoyer]

@@Thathockeybro Multiple sources have said the same story, Habs management won't say it as they don't want to diss Reinbacher, but multiple insiders have said Michkov told the Habs he wouldn't make the move to NA if they drafted him. Our director of European scouting, Nick Bobrov, has ties with SKA as his father works for them. I'm sure he knew best as Michkov's rights belonged to SKA. Hence why they didn't hesitate on picking Demidov last draft.

[@LawrenceViola-s8i]

@@francisvoyer I’m glad someone takes time to look at these things

[@Brubarov]

I pray God everyday for keeping them healthy! Can't wait to see both of them in action.

[@planetcaravan2925]

There is no god

[@boomer1049]

@@planetcaravan2925 Then that makes you a robot!

[@planetcaravan2925]

@@boomer1049 why? Elaborate lol

[@boomer1049]

@@planetcaravan2925 You made the ignorant comment ! So prove to the world that there is no God!

[@Brubarov]

@@planetcaravan2925 Only Demigod

[@KorbinDucharme]

Digging the music

[@Spotnick2]

There's a war in Russia, scouts couldn't go live to watch them, they couldn't go to world tournaments, and Michkov had a 5 years deal with no way to know if by then the war wouldn't escalate to make it impossible to come over, and there were echoes of Michlov being a bad teamate and being uninterested to play defenseively. That's why most teams in the top 5 passed. Same thing was happening to Demidov, but since the Habs have a russian head of scourting, he was able to go there to scout him live and is one of the very few that could. I guess teams were scared of risk and went for the safe picks first. The Habs have passed on Wright and Michkov so far, so the rebuild is completely on the scouting team and time will tell, but Philly's GM said they might have picked Reinbacher instead of Michkov too if he was still available.. It's interesting, but Michkov has some kind of negative aura that might not be justified, but all the noise, his father's murder and stories scared a lot of teams obviously.

[@WarioSaysSo]

This was very covered in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The gand-prize evreyone wanted was Connor Bedard, there was no-way around that, and only 1 team could get him. That Anaheim, the rock-bottom team who have NEVER had a 1st pick in there 30 years of existence did not get him was BS, but that is not the discussion here. This guy was arguably a solid 2nd overall pick in tallent level BUT-BUT as stated then - Due to the political sceene and the fact he had a KHL contract at the time of his draft, that meant the Top 5 teams (minus the 1st select) had a great oppertunity, but also at a great risk of not getting there pick over inside his youth years (or ever) and with the great selection of prospects in the draft of 2023, they simply took what was "safe" bets. Chicago, Anaheim, Columbus, San Jose etc had nice alternatives. When even Even the 4th pick Sharks was unsure, you knew that he would be the great steal for the team that got him.

[@lunardestruction]

4:42 this sums it up for me, like everybody already knows this, its common knowledge

[@jeffshaper9466]

Wow, that was very good explanation. 👍

[@blackrocks8413]

prospects are just prospects.... nothin' more

[@L4verdz]

Habs could’ve had their own version of Bure-Mogilny like Vancouver in the early 90’s. Silver lining is that we didn’t miss on both but still. Insane value to get potentially franchise player at 5 😵

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Those Sochi kits look really good! Alot like SanJose, but still very nice.

[@holofech9744]

One math thing I'd do differently, I think the mhl -> chl conversion should probably be percentage based. That 0.54 ppg increase is a 79.4% increase, so for the Michkov and Demidov it should be 1.72 -> 3.09 and 2 ->3.59 respectively, although it sounds absolutely absurd

[@brendanorourke4727]

After what happened with Ivan Fedotov and the Flyers it’s easy to see why teams avoid selecting Russian players playing in the KHL with a top 3 pick. It’s also easy to see why a team picking a bit later would be happy to risk a 1st on a potential franchise player. A 1st to 3rd overall should be almost a guaranteed NHL player, but a sure fire star that might stay in Russia is not a sure fire NHLer.

[@scallaghan61]

the top end of Michkov's draft was stacked so its not hard to see where Anaheim or Columbus' heads were with those picks. Big 1C are hard to find, especially in Columbus so it makes total sense. After that though its very fair to start asking a lot of questions. I will say though, no matter how skilled the league gets size still becomes very relevant in the playoffs. GMs still look for it

[@AlexAnder-yj1qs]

My man here is like the "Chef John" of hockey.

[@steveciancone8941]

Nobody talks about this, but the KHL is not as strong as it used to be. It lost numerous teams and especially player dropouts when the war started. Making it a higher scoring league. That’s not taking away from Michkov and Demidov being serious talents. Side note: Yes numerous European studs opted to go play in their domestic league like the SHL, Finish Liiga, rather than stay in Russia given the Ukraine situation. Teams like Jokerit and Dynamo Riga left the league.

[@bofcmoica]

That tabarnac was perfect rob

[@frankpaparo4839]

You wanted to be a flyer I’m glad people are starting to realizing that the personality thing that was being slandered on him at the draft was a front, flyer staff knew that, hell, even Flyers fans knew that including myself his father was literally a diehard flyers fan, it was a given he was going to do anything to play here

[@paradigmhky]

I can watch this for hours on end

[@kiker0909]

You're missing some huge comparables in Mogily, Fedorov, and Bure. All were almost or were a point a game player in their rookie season. The Larionov stat line threw me off.

[@blask83]

All great players too! I wondered why Mogilny, Fedorov, and Bure weren’t on that list.

[@Flyers48]

He was comparing their KHL seasons in their draft and D+1 seasons. Not their NHL rookie seasons ... None of them were that good in KHL in beginning and had far worse statlines in draft and D+1 KHL seasons like everybody else. Michkov still has best PPG ever KHL draft year and D+1 year.

[@Flyers48]

@@blask83 Its b/c none had anything special stats in their KHL draft year and D+1 seasons so they would have just been with the rest of the older Russian names at bottom of graphic. Michkov still has far better stats than all of them in draft year and D+1 year and overall has the record for both in KHL.

[@cazschiller]

Um I'll answer this early. It was bc he only wanted the flyers and he would've stayed in the K if not for them. End of story, but I like the highlight packages!!!! 😊

[@rrk1008]

Love the Goldeneye N64 soundtrack.

[@jacobboaden2213]

The greatest pure video game ever.

[@awsomedude12345678]

Thats impressive the point rate of demidov but that sample size is pretty small

[@patricklauzon7019]

Michkov will be a star, Demidov will be a good player. Michkov is a verocius competitor, he want to be the best, a sign of franchise player

[@marcrondeau6061]

other way around

[@ThomasHockey223]

Demidov is a year younger but did perform better than Michkov and now that Ivan is playing for SKA he'll obviously slow down since they don't help in development. Not to take anything away from Michkov, I still think that Demidov is the better rookie.

[@torrey88]

I picked him on my fantasy team, so I’ll be keeping an eye on him

[@chrismckay8584]

Everyone’s accounting inflation lol.

[@anthonypags9945]

Would love to see you take a look at Artseni Gritsyuk (spelling). Russian Devils prospect expected to come over after the khl season

[@jeyled4372]

Why tabarnack hahahahahahahhaha you got you a follow right here budd 😂😂

[@joemcguire5017]

Great video. I love your channel. When I read the headline, though I was wondering if you were gonna hate on my Flyers. But you know that this dude is going to change the dynamic of an already elite physical team. Don’t forget, we have Hathaway Seeler and Deslauriers So I can’t wait for teams to try to take liberties on Our new number 39. Unless the goaltending fails which I’m a little concerned about Most teams can’t really screw with my Philadelphia Flyers facts are facts!

[@xellossm8444]

The thing is that it was mentioned that Michkov really wanted to go to the Flyers. MInd you, both Mickkov and Demidov have played with SKA St. Peterburg, which is doesn't give them much TOI. A new Russian phenom rivalry to vie for the Kharlamov Trophy in years to come.

[@samuelnicholson9711]

Would have been so good if the flyers still had Cutter Gauthier, flyers could have been elite in 5 years when they both turn into absolute weapons but hopefully Jamie Drysdale will live up to the hype

[@miken8889]

weve been over this before rob in previous videos, it was the russian factor. the fact that he may not come over to north america, and he had a contract to fulfil. luckily for the flyers michkov, got released from his khl contract

[@BlakeMcGuireHockey]

Awesome video!

[@vitaminme4203]

The fact that rumors were spiraling that flyers could have traded up to the demidov pick, i wiould of loved if they did if true. 2 massive russian players with that skill level would of been scary

[@Theman-rl4uy]

I know the title is clickbait to get views but I think every competent hockey fan knows he’s a top prospect…

[@shellysmith1037]

but...just a prospect. Hasn't played a real game yet

[@cmz5847]

Michkov basically forced his way to Philly 💯😂

[@zjsz4954]

As a Canucks/Flyers fan exciting times are upon us

[@mattfreelie55]

Canucks/Flyers, is this a thing? No disrespect. Also, who you rooting for in the Flyers' opener lol?

[@renaudboucher4014]

I remember Michkov and Bedard playing in Hlinka-Gretzky cup when they were like 15 years old and at that time I really thought Michkov was the better player. Let’s see in a couple years but maybe I wasn’t so wrong after all

[@judahnanas9772]

If Mitchkov or even Demidov would have wanted to got to No.1, they would have come to American to play Jr. Mitchkov had a "cloud" over his name since there was rumors he would stay in russia if not drafted by Philly. For Habs at that time, Demidov wasn't in the picture and they took the "safest" choice and where they actually had some needs! And trying to compare Mitchkov and Reinbacher is just way TOO EARLY to tell.

[@Dexter037S4]

The main reason he was skipped, was the fact that well, his team owner in Russia, is well Vladimir Putin (SKA is directly owned by the Russian government). They didn't think he'd be allowed to leave.

[@renemorin9542]

Passed by 6 teams. He was picked 7th. Good intro. 😂

[@RobTalksHockey]

Huh

[@renemorin9542]

Listen to your intro. In the first 10 seconds, you say he was passed by 7 teams. He wasn't passed by 7 teams. He was picked 7th thereby only passed by 6 teams. The comment was just to highlight exactly that. Otherwise, excellent video.

[@ericnoel8034]

While i believe he will be the face of the Flyers, you cant say seamless transition to the nhl when it’s only preseason. Yakupov looked this way as well at first. Lets give the kid a season or 2 then come back to him.

[@ДмитрийКалинин-ц1у]

The draft is simply the order in which the managers select a team and nothing more. Time will put everything in its place. But one thing is certain: the Flyers have more fans from Russia.

[@zeeshawnali4078]

The guy hasn't had any success this "season" because the season hasn't started yet.

[@PyreRage]

9 points in 9 games and not a peep from the media, dudes gonna hit 70 pts in his sleep and there wont be a word

[@Hockey_Events]

REMEMBER! The KHL have also become a wore leauge with A LOT of players leaving when the war started

[@firerook]

Well in a sense It's true that Montreal could had both, but we can say the same about Chicago, Columbus, Anaheim and San Jose

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

uhhh problem is that one russia player didnt wanna play for mtl

[@scallaghan61]

all 4 of those teams potentially grabbed a high end 1C. Little easier to see the thinking than Reinbacher. You can question those teams taking 1 of those players but to get both it's easy to see why they didnt

[@Anonymous-d9b5i]

Did he just say, Why the tabarnac? hahaha

[@spartan4196]

I remeber wanting the canucks to trade up for michkov so badly that year, but we got another swede instead

[@rickbick2206]

Great video but the reason he got passed by other teams wasn’t low low point being in the khl like you said that’s normal for Russian draft picks. The reason he got passed on was because of his khl contract, the uncertainty of if or when he would actually play in the nhl as there was no clear answer at the time, and the heightened tensions between the states and Russia. Phili took a major chance on this guy and it looks like it will pay off big time but at the time of the draft it also looked like they might be wasting a pick

[@johnyoung8745]

As a flyers fan, I’m so excited and kid is passing expectations based on preseason alone plus his teammates seem to love the kid

[@seanhorgan6774]

Don't talk about what might be a dropout - we've learned if it's from overseas it might stay there or have a hissy fit about it's team and quit

[@jameswg1341]

Why did they not go higher? The Russian factor, if they don’t want to play for you or leave Russia they just don’t. Also when they stay in Russia often times their development is hurt. As for mitchkov he was supposed to be in the KHL for another 5 years he bought out his contract which at the time of the draft no one thought he was going to do

[@davetechme]

If the Russian coaches and dads I see at stick and puck here in the midwest are any indication, I am not surprised that Russian athletes would dominate in North America. Those kids go through hell every day. Russian machine no break!

[@JephthahTait]

They passed on him. 7 teams classed on him. Flyers got him YES!

[@michealwered3927]

MTL PICKED A KK AGAIN...I WAS SCREAMING NO

[@justfred6863]

Much appreciated Demidov glazing

[@hckykd39]

I have a feeling he won’t be underrated after game 41.

[@mossig]

North America has to many leagues so even average players get to play in top teams. In Russia and Sweden the competition is much tougher to get a place in a top tier team. Many kids fly under the NHL radar.

[@VormavNJD]

There is no "seamless transition" when the season hasn't even started yet.

[@RobTalksHockey]

The season has started. Not the regular season, but the season has indeed started

[@Flyers48]

@@RobTalksHockey Yeah but career AHLers score a lot in preseason. Cant really say he had seamless NHL transition before the actual regular season starts. NOW it would be fair after doing very well in regular season but cant say that in preseason.

[@alexlangbody]

Kuch also played in the Q on his last year before the draft

[@CP4Z167]

People are gonna freak out if the Kid doesn’t score over ppg in his first 20 games. But I’d say give him 40-50 games before jumping to conclusion

[@shellysmith1037]

I lke the flyers...but Michkov has not played one real game. He has no 'success' yet, he's just a prospect. These pundits always jump the gun.

[@chrislaverick6413]

Yeah montreal fucked up passing on this guy

[@JeanJames-ff3wx]

we didnt he wanted nothing to do with canada

[@efaanshyper]

Demidov is better

[@chrislaverick6413]

@@efaanshyper i sure hope so

[@4u2nvHock3y]

Sorry. Demidov is the best. And everyone cares by saying he's a bust. And yes I'm joking. He's a year younger. And less proven. 😊

[@HydrixTheory]

He’s the next ovi

[@MatzeMB85]

Why some chose to pass isn't that hard to figure out. They come from a country at war and guys their age have started doing the fighting. Who wants to risk another Fedotov or Malkin incident? You can't really have your scouts watch them play live in the same way as pre war. While the numbers are impressive KHL is a shell of what it was pre-war as so much talent simply packed their bags and left as well as teams dropping out. The quality just isn't the same and with Russia banned from international tournaments it's hard to compare Russian prospects the way we used to. In short, it's a lot of risk in picking these players but not because of they themselves. I can see teams passing on that factor alone.

[@kevinfunk83]

Sooo close to dropping to the Caps.

[@coryw3339]

He got passed on bc there was uncertainty if he would be able to come to the nhl....we knew he was a top pick.

[@BOLDBANGER]

based goldeneye music. as a flyers fan this is the most i've been excited since we got giroux. too bad we made him captain so fast. he was a great player and follower but not a great captain, too easily let s get under his skin. giroux was best when he played with jagr that rookie year.

[@StonedSpagooter]

They need to do a North America style team with the 23 and unders all playing together

[@bstar777777]

I still think Michkov might end up being fickle, he had some strong words about teams he would not play for. Was really happy Arizona did not draft him and opted for Cooley.

[@mypud4068]

What words....? Another thing that never happened with michkov for 500

[@stephenpaquin1735]

Habs had the opportunity to have both player playing together. My concern here is how much time ? I think both player in the same team will end eating 25%-28% of the salary cap. One of them will end up being traded. It's too early to say which one will be the best of the two, I think Michkov will be a better offensively while Demidov will be a better well-rounded player. I think I prefer the well-rounded player because he can make other player better, but I don't think Michkov can't be better at making play despite he will probably always be better at making goal.