Who Takes Matvei Michkov in the 2023 Draft?

[@user-zb7tg5hi3t]

Crazy how he’s wearing a flyers jersey in this. Almost like he knew

[@jamiemartinez362]

I thought the same thing!

[@Patrick33456]

The flyers swag made it happen. Thanks Hockey Guy!!!

[@cristianfigueroa1959]

So happy Philly somehow got him!! Go flyers.

[@oscarthegrouch4574]

DUDE WAS WEARING THE JERSEY‼️ let’s go flyers you called it

[@Serenessl1994]

I think michkov is just as good as bedard I know I'll take flack for it but this kid is absolutely insane in my eyes

[@bp341]

I mean head to head tournament wise Matvei outscored him every single time. This is #87 or #08 all over again I'm praying to God Russiphobia gets him to 11th or close enough to where we can move down and get him. Everyone who keeps mentioning the flyers and habs are forgetting they had a DND on Russian players last draft so drafting one now wouldn't look good since it's like they feel it's morally wrong unless the player is a superstar

[@Statsy10]

@@bp341 I don't think they played head-to-head that much. One U18 tournament and the brief WJC that was shut down after a couple games. Am I missing any other tournaments? But yes, Michkov did win the scoring title and MVP over Bedard at that U18 tourney. I absolutely think he's right up there with Bedard and if teams aren't going to draft him because they have to wait an extra couple of years, they will come to regret it later. With that said, there are a lot of studs on the board this year. I can't remember a draft with this many high end prospects in my 30+ years of watching the draft.

[@gogaonzhezhora8640]

You will only take flak for this from the North American media intoxicated crowd.

[@steve8803]

@@bp341 Bedard is a far better prospect at this point.

[@bp341]

@@steve8803 I'm a big Bedard fan but if Matvei was Mathew and played in ST Catherine's nor ST Petersburg, it would not be a 1horse race. Like I pointed out previous we can only compare numbers from events they both plated in because their paths are very different. I will say if Bedard can stick at Centre than the edge goes too him but if both end up wingers, it then becomes a lot more murky.

[@taylorkearney8197]

As a sharks fan. Id love to have michkov. The time table doesnt concern me. Bring in some more prospects and he should be coming over when the sharks are going to be competing again..(hopefully)

[@jackbuschbaum]

Let’s be honest, Sharks won’t make the playoffs next three years anyway so we might as well

[@agustinramirez188]

Timetable is 2026 for him which gives time for some of these contracts expire that are hurting there cap hits

[@nickh3698]

Grier is still pretty new on the job so probably has enough leeway to wait for him to come over.

[@baysick11]

Nabokov can take him under his wing and be a mentor to him

[@andrew6815]

agreed. the fact that he won't come over right away is probably a good thing. sharks should be collecting as many high end prospects as possible for awhile

[@stefansdoom]

This aged well!

[@TurinJawn]

You chose a good jersey for this video 👀 smart man 🤣

[@jasonbrode9886]

One thing that's never mentioned about Michkov is that his father who was basically his agent and followed him around everywhere (even was hired as coach and scout by Michkov's teams) was found dead a month ago and the details are really shady. So who knows how that will impact Matvei going forward

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

that is literally mentioned in every single thread that comes up

[@xxtuddlexx]

@@aaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and its confirmed thru multiple sources his dad died of natural causes as much as ppl want to believe its some KGB shit

[@ogdentaylor7473]

@@fubartotale3389 Moronic

[@sampick4154]

​@@fubartotale3389remember, no russian...

[@Fallout3131]

@@fubartotale3389 Why?

[@Kmartsmart]

San Jose should really pick Michkov. Grier is a new GM so doesn’t have the pressure and San Jose is years away from when they’ll be good again

[@joshholmes9976]

yep. 100%

[@YuseiFudo52]

As a SJ fan I really hope we do take him but I think it is unlikely

[@MajinBuu91]

I guess not many want to see SJ pick up a massive talent… They’re going to suck for at least another 3 years and Smith will be another Couture or Hertl, which of course is good but this team needs elite skill level player for the future…

[@LarsEricJoehnk]

As a Sharks fan, it does make sense to pick Michkov since we won't be in the running for quite awhile and he would be easily one of the more elite prospects we've had in a very long time. Knowing Grier, he picks Will Smith whose going to play at Boston College since his son played with Smith in High School and he has more insight on him. I think Will Smith would be a nice center prospect for the Sharks to have, the questions is can he be the 1C? He certainly could be a 2C. It feels pretty fair to say Leo Carlsson is going to CBJ unless they for some reason choose Smith over him which would stir things up.

[@uncledamfee2347]

@@LarsEricJoehnk Most talented draft pick ever if we take him.

[@_RM99]

Falling to the Caps definietly makes sense, I can imagine they'll send Ovi over to pull some strings to bring him over and then mentor him whether or not Ovi is retired or still playing.

[@IMAComedy]

Don't quote me but I don't really see Ovi sticking around after retirement.

[@kevinfunk83]

@@IMAComedy agree. He’s not taking a job with any team. He will retire to Moscow. Only question is, he’s done A LOT for Washington youth hockey so I wonder if he keeps his home in Arlington? I think it’s Arlington.

[@j.t.miller1641]

Your dreaming 😂😂

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@IMAComedy Ovi sticking around where after retirement? Russia? Washington?

[@thecaynuck]

Another thing that's interesting is that Ovi has always liked the SJ Sharks, and wanted to play for them. If Michkov went to the Sharks, I wonder if Ovi would take notice and want to support his career.

[@Will-zy9qe]

if he falls past Montreal, I will be infuriated

[@maxratcliffe4113]

I was thinking the same thing. He would work well with Montreals time line.Carey Price contract will be finishing up when he comes over.

[@skipperbill84]

Yeah, montreal would be dumb to let him go past if he is there. There is enough forwards in the pipeline (Kidney, Roy, Farrell, Mesar, Beck) and ready that they can take a chance on having to wait.

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

Montreal are trading their pick for Pierre-Luc Dubous

[@brady3491]

@@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge 😂stop

[@infected4kill]

@@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge LOL...nope

[@VoIcanoman]

I want him in Montréal. That team is young and re-building, and as its players age, without any significant additions (barring perhaps a goaltender, depending on the Monty/Primeau/Allen situation), they should become a pretty solid playoff team by 2025-26 (their core of current NHLers is excellent, and guys like Mailloux, Hutson, Roy and Beck will be entering the NHL over the next few years). Adding a borderline-generational talent like Michkov in 2026 will turn them into the team to beat in the Atlantic, and a real Cup contender. If he wasn't committed to the KHL, he'd be 2nd overall for sure this year, and that's only because Bedard is Bedard. Pretty much any other year, he'd be the top pick. And I think he's worth waiting for (and honestly, I think Hughes is playing his cards extremely close to the vest, putting out some conflicting information through his media contacts so that nobody knows what he'll do...but how can you not take Michkov if he's available at #5?...I would not be shocked to see him go at #3 or #4 actually, so all of this speculation could be for nothing).

[@donaldmulrooney942]

Same Hughes who supposedly turned the Rangers into a contender?? Dream on.

[@marionat2001]

​@@donaldmulrooney942 hughes never worked for the rangers dumbass

[@wr-co2fn]

This gentleman has such great insight on all things hockey. I really enjoy listening and getting his take on things. Keep up the good work.

[@whatisabercowich]

Why would the Sharks or Coyotes pass on him? They are not going to be good next year and, as you said in a previous video, the Coyotes are (or were) building towards 2026. When is Michkov's contract up? 2026. EDIT: I saw a scout say that he had tried to find out what the so called character issues were and had not gotten anything. He implied that teams that are drafting lower are spreading those rumours.

[@YuseiFudo52]

I don’t think Grier likes small guys also I feel like he might be worried about his own job security. Since Michkov is not tangible for 3 years, he make pick Smith based off of the fact that he’ll play sooner. Teams who are drafting Lower are 100% spreading rumors. I have found nothing concrete or specific regarding these “character issues”

[@MrVisde]

For the Sharks a couple reasons: 1) they’ve never had success drafting and developing Russian forwards and 2) they’d be passing up other excellent players still available at the 4th spot to gamble on Michkov

[@alsrdn]

Being promoted at an early age can ruin any young guy. And Michkov is slightly self-confident. His character can both help and hinder

[@Nalleteus]

@@YuseiFudo52 they should stop thinking about players sizes. Game is also changing to More fast game rather than physical. Michkov aint small player either unless If hes really 160 lbs but i doubt that. Even d-mans have great players Even tho they arent 6'4 like Makar and Fox. And there Are Many under 6 foot players who have had great Careers. Martin St. Louis aint that big of a Guy but might have gotten few points in NHL Even tho he would be probaply now a lot better than before.

[@seanholloway2215]

@@MrVisde Why not take the risk. This team is not even close to competing for at least the next 3 years. Karlsson will most likely regress next year. They had 3 20+ goal scorers in Couture, Karlsson, & Hertl. Their goalie tandem is Kahkonen & (unkown). The D line is bottom tier at best. They are most likely going to be in a similar draft spot next year & possibly the year after.

[@speedyv6247]

i would love to see him on the caps.

[@paulalkenbrack6084]

He said recently it was his dream to play in the NHL. His agent said Michkov will be at the draft. I think he goes as high as 2 or 3. We will see. Cheers

[@rexxx4fun]

I would love for the Flyers to land Michkov, provided they were fairly certain that he would be able to come over in 2 years. In Charlie O'Connor's recent Flyers fan survey, the overwhelming choice among the fans, was that they take Michkov if he fell to 7th. Which should give the front office the some confidence that it would be well received as a selection, and reflects the fanbase having a forward thinking timeline.

[@oscarthegrouch4574]

Called it let’s go flyers!!!!

[@rocyork]

Hell yes

[@stefancochrane2723]

My guess (and hope) is the Habs take him at #5. Also, I've heard that Michkov will be at the draft, in person. The story about his father is disconcerting, though. In terms of GMs coming and going, Hughes just arrived in Montreal, and the young core should be in good shape when Michkov completes his KHL contract. We shall see...

[@AKmumu]

imagine Michkov with all the other prospects coming in soon like Hutson, wow

[@iamnewfie1]

he wont go to montreal with the tax issues there,he will go back in the draft if they select him

[@fluffy_walrus]

Being a Sharks fan, I hope we grab Michkov. However, ownership doesn't like the idea of a rebuild, and Sharks were not good in attendance, so I can see grier getting pressured to draft someone who will be ready sooner. Ultimately, if we get Smith, it won't be horrible, he's an exciting prospect too, but Michkov has the talent to where his ceiling is considered anywhere from a Kucherov to a Mogilny, and that's too high to pass up on when Smith's upside is more or less a poor man's Jack Hughes with a worse two-way game. That could still make for an excellent player, but would Smith be a franchise-altering player? I have doubts about that.

[@andreymarkov2254]

The most recent issue not mentioned by Shannon is Michkov's father (who was also his agent) mysteriously dying few weeks ago. He went outside to buy some groceries, and then was found drowned in the local pond few hours later. There is a huge speculation that he might have been killed by someone trying to take control over Michkov's career in their own hands - including forcing him to stay in Russia for much longer. Not to mention emotional struggle Michkov has been going through due to his father's sudden death.

[@DucksUpDogsDownCatsSlide]

This context is very important, I hope he finds a great agent.

[@kanetyler4399]

I need links. The amount of people that just assume this happens because it’s Russia is honestly xenophobic and clownish.

[@jasonf1528]

I did't hear that story. Probably mob related if indeed someone wanted the father out of the way to control his future earnings, which goes way up if he comes to the NHL

[@bajjanitor]

Wow. "Huge speculation", that sounds like something to take very seriously.

[@LatinxGoyslop1994]

I will be ecstatic if Philly is able to pick him up. He would be a great addition.

[@oscarthegrouch4574]

YES SIR LETS GO FLYERS

[@trailerparkboyz245]

I see him being drafted by either Philly or Washington, Philly is going into a rebuild so they can generate a bunch of young players then Michkov can join in and play instantly, and Washington can have him play once Ovi retires plus Miroschnieko is also there

[@dmonsef]

I don't think Philly fans would be comfortable with a Russian player...

[@williammccarrick6554]

@@dmonsef Disagree, we love great players. Nationality has no baring.

[@YuiFunami]

@@williammccarrick6554 they just had a player last summer detained by the russian police so maybe that might leave a bad taste in philly

[@baiqi44]

He won't drop past Arizona. If the Yotes only had 1 pick in the top 15, the Yotes might pass on him. But, they have 2 picks and now with their uncertain future as a team, they're likely going to gamble.

[@sundiataweaver292]

I see him going to Anaheim or San Jose. if not then Montreal.

[@jasonf1528]

As a Flyers fan, this would be a huge 'swinging for the fences' move by Briere. I agree that the Flyers can afford to select him as the team has committed to a full rebuild. The talent level is insane and if he pans out, this could be another Ovi. I think the Flyers should take the risk. I remember in 1990, the Flyers passed on Jagr with the 4th pick because they were afraid he wouldn't come to the US. They went with the safe pick - Mike Ricci.....the rest is history.

[@raymondsupper]

Couldn't Comcast buy that KHL contract out in a year or so?? I don't think they should pass on a Kucheroff type talent.

[@J_Aaron_L]

Yeah, Jagr... but there is old history and they aren't broadly liked across Russia because of that history. More recently, Fedotov is an example that should give Philly pause before choosing him, if still available. Even if he plays and pans out to be a superstar, in hindsight, I can't be mad if they pass.

[@jasonf1528]

@@raymondsupper I was thinking the exact same thing. I'm sure they could buy out the last year of the contract at least. Let him play in Russia for 2.

[@jasonf1528]

@@J_Aaron_L There are safer bets that could help in the very short term for sure. Zach Benson comes to mind

[@siegessaule]

He's going to 100% play it safe and pick a more projectable Canadian player. He's part of the Flyers OBC and would prefer a Flyers-style player with lower potential over a mysterious Russian who might not even come over during his GM tenure. They would be a good team to take him, they can wait for him and it gives them time to maybe grab another Russian player to help him adjust.

[@jeremybenisrael]

Well that gamble paid off. The excitement in Philly is crazy right now.

[@cobybitman261]

Montreal would be stupid to not take him

[@connorkenney6938]

Unless Will Smith is available.

[@mtlhabsss]

Well mtl is known for making the dumbest picks…………

[@slipperynodd578]

@@connorkenney6938 For Michkov to be available to Montreal, it would mean guys like Smith are already taken. The only way that both of them would be available at five is if the team reached by a lot and took Reinbacher.

[@ktowniecity7269]

@@connorkenney6938 Keep my wifes name outta yo mouth

[@RB-wg3qm]

As a Habs fan, I want Mishkov over Carlson & Smith.

[@ToyMakerprops]

the one thing no one has mentioned was his father was mysteriously found dead, face first in some water just about a month or so ago.....the boy may be searching for answers and not in a hockey mindset anymore. im betting he drops a few spots.

[@Bamuelson]

Wow you called it!!! Go flyers

[@neeltheother2342]

The madman called it with that jersey lmao!

[@Skynertia]

Fingers crossed Michkov is available at #56 /s

[@theramplocal]

Bold strategy. We will see if it pays off! 😉

[@jonah.donohue]

Who has #56?

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@jonah.donohue Average Joe's

[@jonah.donohue]

@@jeffreym.8957 You think i care about the top 56? I don't I care about the top 20 the latest

[@dominickim4596]

He should be no. 2. but his contract is a problem.

[@ktowniecity7269]

and the fact that Russia may be drafting him into the army when they invade Poland in 2026

[@tamarockstar45]

You called it. I know you didn't make a hard prediction, but the gear suggests it.

[@andrewptob]

If the Flyers get him, it’d be the best to thing to happen to the franchise in years.

[@oscarthegrouch4574]

Let’s go flyers

[@andrewptob]

@@oscarthegrouch4574 Ladies and gentlemen, … we got him!

[@shyduck_]

I saw this pop up on my feed and immediately said to myself "Shannon's gonna be wearing Flyers gear"

[@Sultimate93]

IMO Michkov should be drafted at 3 at the absolute latest and any team beyond that who passes on him will regret it shortly after he comes over. Ovi had 24 points in 53 games with Moscow before being drafted by Washington. Michkov's 20 points came in literally half as many games. Michkov had more goals than Kaprisov and Kucherov had _points_ in the KHL in their draft eligible years. Michkov vs Bedard could become the new Crosby vs Ovi in the NHL. Only reason I'd even think about taking Carlsson or Smith over Michkov is if you are confident he won't be here until 2025 or later. Even then I think a team like Montreal or SJS should take Michkov regardless because they almost certainly won't compete for a cup before then.

[@jyynarpalisenniemi6242]

The KHL ain’t as good though, almost all the foreign players have gone for obvious reason

[@jeffreym.8957]

Players develop at different speeds. Those comparisons aren't particularly relevant. It's like comparing players from the World Juniors. Beware drafters of Kieffer Bellows and Alex Nylander.

[@Nalleteus]

KHL is not as good league as earlier but still top leagues in world

[@Stormie33]

I can't see him going third. Columbus needs a center and they would like to get back to the playoffs sooner than later. They're not waiting three years for Michkov when they could have Leo Carlsson step into their lineup next year. San Jose is really the first team that will have a dilemma about whether to draft him. Considering Mike Grier has some personal ties to Will Smith and may want to be somewhat conservative and see quicker returns from his first big draft pick, I wouldn't be surprised to see him take Smith. At that point, I feel like Montreal either takes Michkov at 5 or trades the pick to someone who will, so I don't see him dropping below 5.

[@mvk4343]

@@jyynarpalisenniemi6242 because foreign nationals' shitty lib governments told them not to play

[@awsomedude12345678]

You nailed it

[@theharlequin2821]

Good video. And man, I have followed MICHKOV religiously for years, and Dude is a stud. To me his release is not just as good as Bedard's, but even faster. I've never in my life, seen a better goal scoring prospect than Michkov. Any team that does Not take him, will DEF lament over this, bc he will have >1 Rocket Richards once his NHL career takes off. #LetsGoCaps

[@xlr0gd205]

I doubt he will ever win a Rocket. McDavid, Draisaitl, Bedard and Matthews will still be in the league

[@theharlequin2821]

@@xlr0gd205 Makes me think you'e responding, without actually having seen Michkov play very much. And I didn't say every Rocket, I just said 1 or more. But who knows; we'll see. It'll be great hockey either way.

[@obiwankeblowme2805]

you friggin called it!!!! I love you!

[@CosmicDr3amr]

He’s gonna be a Flyer!

[@laboom60]

Go Flyers Go! we got the Russian Bedard! Michkooovvv

[@darkbeast7365]

If he drops to 5, as a habs fan I would be pretty upset if we did not take him, I really like will smith, I think he could be a nice piece on the Canadians in a few years but michkov, I could see michkov becoming the best player on the Canadians, having two elite goal scorers in caufield and michkov, with two solid centers in Suzuki and dach, with a powerhouse slafkovksy and (Dubois) as ur top 2 lines, with Owen beck a two way center who hopefully continues his excellent face off percentage into the nhl, this forward group could be a huge threat in a few years, and the reason I’m so interested in michkov is I think the group will be solid even without michkov so taking the risk on him at 5 is a risk I would take, I do not understand how we can project someone to be a top 10 scorer in the league meaning 50 goal scorer and not take him that would blow my mind, part of me hopes he does not fall to five, I do not want them to have to make that decision just have him go 4 have Montreal take will smith and I’ll leave happy, but if he falls to 5 and we don’t take him I’m gonna lose it

[@jibathus]

The lols if Chicago took him. I remember the initial buzz about him at 15/16 and then the contract thing came up. The talent is undeniable, but the contract will turn teams off. You'd want to be at the beginning of a tear down to take him really, and yet, there's a further risk of not having any control or influence in his development over the next few years, then if he's elite and the team is garbage what's to stop him resigning in Russia? Or in the unlikely event that he doesn't get much better it's a poor draft pick. If I'm a gm of a team picking 8th or later I'm probably hoping for him to slide, a team like St Louis perhaps who seem to be in more of a retool would love to pick him up as a future asset. Washington have the ovechkin connection. Pittsburgh would be able to once again roll from superstar to superstar. Top 5 teams, he's a very bold choice and a statement of the intent to continue tanking so I can't see him going that high.

[@Stormie33]

I don't really understand your last point. He's likely going to San Jose or Montreal, both of which are a year into rebuilds. Picking a prospect that could help them a year or two sooner than Michkov isn't going to make either of them playoff contenders overnight. They both have long roads ahead of them, which Michkov aligns with perfectly.

[@jibathus]

@@Stormie33 because there are very good players who can help you sooner rather than later. I'm not saying he won't go top 5, I'd just be surprised if he did.

[@TheTurdEye]

Habs please do it

[@sundiataweaver292]

I'm a Habs fine. It seems every team's fan base other than Chicago, Anaheim, and Columbus want Michkov. It will be interesting to see how things pkay out...

[@peterfishwick1593]

Not me 148 lbs. Not one more small player. Hutson is coming and Canfield is a Smurf too. Enuff is Enuff.

[@TheTurdEye]

@@peterfishwick1593 the skills outweight the dwarfness in this one

[@Stormie33]

@@peterfishwick1593 Being a smurf hasn't stopped Caufield from scoring 50 goals in his last 82 games, and Michkov will be even better.

[@oceanshrugs9235]

Super hot topic among Montreal fans right now. Going to be interesting to see what Montreal does here at 5 if he is available still

[@theramplocal]

It's a good problem to have! I have been locked in in michkov since my team missed the playoffs,(blues). Michkov may be available at 5 for you guys but unless the blues trade up w their 10th overall and the 2 other 1sts, he will not be there at 10th. Such a deep draft tho, I am super excited to see how all of these guys pan out. I have been more invested in this draft than I have been since the McDavid draft.

[@jeffreym.8957]

​@@theramplocal Why is it considered so deep when the 2nd best forward played fourth line for Team Canada in the WJC? Alex Nylander, Kieffer Bellows, Casey M., A. Duclair, Max Domi - they all played better in that tournament.

[@Stormie33]

@@jeffreym.8957 Fantilli did not look very good at the WJCs, but it's a small sample of games. It can't be argued that his NCAA season was pretty special. That said, Michkov would be still be the consensus #2 if not for the other baggage.

[@paulalkenbrack6084]

If Smith and Carlson are gone the Habs will take Michkov.

[@uncledamfee2347]

As a Sharks fan we want Michkov - we're gonna be bad for a while, we can afford to be patient...But I fear Grier will go for Smith, who is a good player but Michkov is just on a different level. San Jose has to draft him, if we go for Smith I'lll be very disappointed.

[@PyreRage]

Like always you hit the mark on the fuckin dot. Philly got a steal and youre an absolute genius

[@gipester6]

I would be estatic if he dropped to 7. Timetable gives time to possibility clear some bad contracts and briere doesnt need to win now to keep his job.

[@Ryan2384]

Nailed it

[@CosmicDr3amr]

Praying he’s a Flyer! 🙏🤞

[@krzysztofskowronski6549]

I think Michkov easily goes to San Jose or Arizona and if they pass on him then there are just stupid, but if he does fall I don't think Washington should take him. They still have a lot of valuable pieces and should try to make a couple trades and run for another cup while they still have Ovi. I feel like trading the 8th pick and picking up guys in free agency is more ideal for the team then trying to rebuild the first year they aren't as good as they wanted to be.

[@redriverwave]

You called it! 🎉

[@Junger2183]

He's probably just another Yakupov

[@bdawk511]

Philly should take him. We're not winning anything anytime soon so we can wait and we need as much talent as possible in our system

[@jesse.ruxspin]

No worries , he will get bigger and another awsum video whole milk , keep em coming

[@michaelstephenson8081]

Soon as I saw the Flyers keep their spot at 7 my attention went entirely to Michkov. I hope THG's prediction is accurate. Thanks for the good vibes, Shannon!!! Also if we can get him a message to sneak Fedotov in his bag on the flight that would be great.

[@lvern60]

You don't think the habs would take him at five? Habs haven't had a superstar forward in a couple decades. Time to take a chance on this guy. Also fits perfectly in their timeline to compete. If he's available, got to take him!

[@pothegreat93]

I really hope they do, but I think they draft Reinbacher if Smith and Carlsson are gone... hope I'm wrong

[@AKmumu]

as a habs fan I want them to pick him at 5 if available

[@RB-wg3qm]

As a Habs fan, I want him if Bedard is drafted... Which after the lottery we all know he will be. We have Suzuki, and if we get PLD, set at center. Also Owen Beck.

[@archieandrews2416]

He is too short and light weight, Montreal needs bigger than 6"2

[@RB-wg3qm]

@archie andrews Right. We should trade Caulfield too. Debrinkat is garbage.

[@TheMrTwizter]

This aged shockingly well

[@chrisfrost73]

Rangers fan here. But I think Buffalo should trade up and get him. Their team is getting solid and can wait a few years to bring him to the USA. Then they would be ready to contend for the cup.

[@yan_7272]

That a good move for Montreal to pick him because in 2026, Michkov will be devlopped and they will need good player because at this moment, Montreal will play for far in series

[@megared3207]

The caps have a very reasonable chance to get their player of the future because they can afford the wait

[@MuriKakari]

When did that 'not very nice' scout talk to him? Because if it was anytime after Apr 2, that scout can f-off.

[@justinciervo700]

Go flyers!!

[@sand_is_greaney]

I Hope the caps do whatever they can to get him

[@pearldrums92]

#8 WSH if he’s there. History of drafting Russians that might otherwise have slid. Samsonov, kuznetsov, alexeyev I could go on

[@MrVisde]

Yup, I can’t see him sliding past ARI (6), WSH (8), or DET (9). Seems like he’ll go in the top 10, not sure about top 5.

[@davebank3218]

I feel Chicago is going to draft up and possibly get into hunt of another top 6... they have a ton of draft capital to get it done... imagine having Bedard and Michkov together

[@fjshark6173]

How would they get another top 6? What would they trade for that?

[@davebank3218]

@@fjshark6173 they hold the 19th pick AND 3 second round picks... so if they offered the 19th and the 51st and 54th could get it done in a deep draft

[@dangshnizzle6929]

​@@fjshark6173 taking on contracts from teams like the flyers, capitals, and canucks.

[@oceanshrugs9235]

@Dave Bank that wouldn't even get it done in NHL 23 😂

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@davebank3218 You're kidding right? The 19th and 3 crappy seconds does not come close to a top #6. There is a reason why teams tank so hard.

[@renlessard]

It really doesn't sound like the Habs are interested but that could be Hughes blowing smoke

[@seanholloway2215]

Sharks need to draft Michkov. They don't have a bonafide goal scorer. They had 3 guys with 20+ goals last season Couture with 27 goals, Karlsson with 25, & Hertl with 22. They are weak on prospects. Their D lines are bottom of the barrel. Their goalie tandem is Kahkonen & (unknown). Reimer is a FA and I don't see him coming back. The team is years away from competing so I think it would be perfectly acceptable to wait on Michkov. Grier said about the Meier trade that they dont want to keep spinning their wheels. Waiting for a potential 40+ goal scorer is a no brainer. There is no rush to get back to the playoffs for this fanbase. They understand how horrible the team has been want the rebuild to be done right and not rushed.

[@kschro03]

It would be interesting if he were to fall to 9 for the Wings to take him.

[@humblelad]

I think their playoff window is coming sooner than expected so taking a guy who won’t show up for as long as him may not be attractive

[@SUswim]

​@The Paradox Destroyer bullshit, its the teams that are drafting lower speaking those rumors. No evidence of a personality issue.

[@powwowken2760]

My biggest concern is that there is literally zero guarantee that he will actually come to the NHL in 2026, plus he could always delay until he becomes an unrestricted free agent when he turns 24 and then sign with any team he wants. This guy is such a massive risk that while his talents are tempting whoever drafts him could very well be throwing their pick in the trash and setting it on fire.

[@Statsy10]

Or they could dump a bag of money on St.Petersburg's doorstep and simply buy him out of his contract. Money talks.

[@oggamer735]

@@Statsy10not when the player is from Ruzzia. If they bought out contract from Russian army owned team i am pretty sure mitchkov will end up in war not in NHL. This is something you draft in rnd 7 not in 1st rnd pick.

[@phightinphil25]

@@oggamer735 The Flyers probably can't risk any more of their prospects being detained and forced to fight in Russia, once is one too many times.

[@TheGumbyRules]

No guarantee he's ever allowed to come to the NHL. The current regime doesn't take too kindly to players wanting to leave for the NHL. Michkov's contract goes another 3 years (his father turned up dead after trying to get him out of the deal) and there likely will be pressure for him to extend. His KHL team, not the NHL team with his draft rights, will oversee his development.

[@TheRealGras]

Teams that draft players out of the KHL hold the rights indefinitely.

[@ComicsAreEscapism]

Habs, let's go!!

[@mtlhabsss]

As a Habs fan if mtl ever past on mitchkov. I’m effing done!…. Why the Canadians always go with the off the board pick smh !

[@TonySoprano-yz2wh]

Washington has the track record with Russians he seems like a Capital to me.

[@stockey]

The Habs will take him if he's availble in 5th, with Bobrov so connected with his team, i don't see how they would pass on him.

[@Azgoon69]

A general manager who's confident that he's still going to be there in 3 years and an organisation that sucks at developing their young players and could benefit from the fact that he will play with men in Russia for a few years, I think Montreal will draft him ... if not I would like to see Washington draft him to replace Ovi in the future

[@CreemoreTorch]

The Hockey Guy is the best

[@fjshark6173]

As a sharks fan I see us picking up very likely we are in a rebuild mode. We’re not building to run into the playoffs again for another couple years. I’d be happy to take him.

[@pattyicexxx]

The reason why you stated a GM wouldn't pick him is the exact reason why Grier is the perfect GM to pick him. The Sharks arent going anywhere the next few years so they absolutely can sit on this generational talent. Grier likely has that 3 year leash to build his vision without fear of having draft a kid less talented to hasten results.

[@MrVisde]

Yes, but I’m pretty sure Grier isn’t planning on having a top 5 pick for the next 3 years either. This might be his one shot to select from players of this caliber, he should choose wisely and not gamble on a prospect that might not ever come (see: Teemu Riihijarvi)

[@HarvestPonyboy]

@@MrVisde in what world is Grier not planning on having a top 5 pick? The Sharks are going to be terrible for the next few seasons. People act like just because Hasso won't let management actually say the word rebuild that the Sharks aren't in a rebuild, but they absolutely are. That's why Grier said resigning Timo doesn't make sense with SJ's timeline.

[@ktowniecity7269]

1. Bedard 2. Fantilli 3. Will Smith 4. Leo Carlsson 5. David Reinbacher 6. Ryan Leonard 7. Zach Benson 8. Matvei Mitchkov. End the speculation. There ya go. Your welcome.

[@brookxs]

Michkov is going to be a stud (I’ll come back to this comment in about 4-5 years) & will be a player teams will regret passing on, the best things come with patience

[@Dhemize]

Blows me away teams are going to pass on the 2nd best talent in the draft solely because they'll miss his first 3 years. There's very very few players that have a noticeable impact in their first 3 seasons anyways. Genuinely feel like it's a massive blunder to not take this guy 2nd or 3rd. He's the real deal and will make the teams that pass on him pay dearly when he arrives

[@BigJim5754]

A #2 pick should be making a noticible impact by yr 3 or they'd be considered a bust. I suppose noticable impact could be open to interpretation but having them in your system getting coached they way you want, getting peaks w the big club in early/late season games, 3rd 4th line mins in 1st yr or 2 are all lost w Matvei's situation. 5-6-7 pick taking to yr 3-4 makes sense which is prolly were he should go. My Ducks have the #2 and I'm glad we're not expected to draft him.

[@Dhemize]

@Big Jim it's not like his development will be stunted by being a middle 6 forward in the KHL, I don't see any downside to a team like the ducks or sharks taking this guy now because they won't be truely competitive for at least 3 years. Then when they are, Matvei slots in top 6 and you got yourself a minimum 3 year window because he's on his ELC

[@OhYaSure]

Sharks should get him. We don’t need him for 3 years anyways. We need to finish at the bottom for another 2 at least.

[@joshlavallee4728]

We all remember Kirill Kaprizov right? Hes another Russian who had the opportunity to fully develop in the KHL before coming over to the NHL where he dominated right away. This will be the same for Michkov but hes even better.

[@tehbeernerd]

There isn’t a chance in hell he drops past the Capitals

[@butcherpete2286]

If the caps waste their highest draft pick in over a decade on a player that won't be available to play for *at least* 3 more years...... I'm going to be livid. They need a skilled player that's ready to go.

[@DONWASABIJUAN]

@@butcherpete2286 fair point. Out of respect to Ovi. I still see don’t see them passing on him though

[@sand_is_greaney]

@@butcherpete2286 no he’s the best player other than Bedard for the caps. If he comes over and can play alongside Ovi he could develop into a top 3 player in the league

[@butcherpete2286]

@@sand_is_greaney notice how you just said "if" he can come over and play with Ovi? That's because it would take the planets and stars aligning at the same time for that to happen. Ovis most likely done after this contract, ar that time is the earliest that Michkov would be able to come to the US *IF* he gets to at all. The capitals would be far better off grabbing one of the other more well rounded European players or a North American skater at 8.

[@roymunson4802]

@@butcherpete2286 No he would be an excellent pick. Caps should be picking the absolute best player available and he would fit that bill as a tremendous snag if he somehow dropped to number 8. Imagine a line of Miro, Lapierre, and Michkov. That would be nuts (if they all pan out, of course).

[@Moleman4ever]

Philly will probably draft an American a kid like they always do. They've had a hard on for the NCAA/USHL system for years. I'd like to see them trade with Washington, since I bet they'll end up deciding muh college route again. Get some assets from a team who likes good playere and would 100% would pick Michkov.

[@paulalkenbrack6084]

Michkov will be in the NHL after 2 more full seasons. Thats no different than most in the ncaa.

[@SirCanuckelhead]

It would be a lot of fun for van to get him. He would fit perfect with the Vancouver russian nucks

[@Statsy10]

Hard to imagine him getting past Washington, but yes I'd love if the Canucks could move up for him.

[@UltraMarcus28]

I’d love to see Chicago attempt to move up into the mid-top 10 if he slides a bit. I believe they have draft capital ammo (and the flexibility ability to pick up toxic contracts) to be able to move up from 19. I think having leaving the draft with 2 offensive superstar prospects would be incredible. Chicago can certainly afford to wait on him, they’ve got a ways to go. Investing this capital in such a future oriented pick also limits how much Chicago improves, bringing the organization a very strong chance at another strong lottery bid next year. Now, if they do go after Auston Matthews, that certainly changes things, but it’s certainly a similarly minded strategy. This would be cheaper and provide more sustainable opportunities for the future than acquiring Matthews (ignoring the proven skillset and performance he represents).

[@thebandboy]

I hope Sharks can pick Leo Carlsson

[@jordynbebus6641]

anything past 4 is an utter shame and i'll die on that hill

[@joshuacarey1840]

As a Sharks fan I feel that them getting Michkov or Carlson is what they will pick. Just this team is in a rebuild and needs a blue chip talent to balance what was and is a top heavy lineup and with the amount of money tied up

[@mt_machine]

His playing style sounds a bit like Pastrnak.

[@simonraulic9893]

I would love to see him to the caps michkov and miroschnicheko

[@farisibrahim2661]

I think San Jose or Montreal take him. San Jose although they don't have a history of Russian players, they are a very different team under new management. They have time to create a new project so I think they wouldn't mind waiting. Montreal is in the exact same position, and Kent Hughes/Jeff Gorton are known to take the best player available based on last year's picks. Also if San Jose takes Michkov, Will Smith has ties to Kent Hughes which makes me think he will be picked by the Habs. (Although honestly, I'm personally not a big Will Smith fan)

[@victoryturnip1381]

There's no way he's 148 lbs at 5'10

[@nbassano]

I don’t know why you think sharks need more immediate results than Philly. I don’t see him dropping past 4

[@siimtokke3461]

If this year's draft wouldn't include Bedard then Chicago would be smart to pick Michkov. They know he wouldn't come over for at least 3 years which means 3 years of being bad and high draft picks.

[@midimusicforever]

Why would the Sharks not slow play? They will not be done rebuilding before 2026. Michkov will be elite when he arrives. But character issues, that could scare off a lot of GMs. And then there's the Russian factor. So yeah, he could drop down to 7, but I don't see the Flyers pass up on him.

[@franciscolopez8331]

If still available by 5th the Habs will pick him just because they don’t need him right now. They have a bunch of young players in the minors which can graduate next year or the next: Mesar, Beck, Farrell, Roy not to mention the ones who played this year Dach, RHP, etc They can wait 2 years or cook up a deal to buy his contract If Columbus or San Jose don’t pick him Montreal should do But all your concerns are valid And Hughes might go a safer route

[@fr0zenmilk]

As a Sharks fan, I think the Sharks take him at 4. Will Smith is probably a couple of years out from the NHL anyway. Why not wait one more year for an elite goal scorer.

[@michaels2502]

148 pounds is fucking insane to me.