Less drama than first reported when it comes to Matvei Michkov

There’s been so much focus Philadelphia Flyers first round pick Matvei Michkov ever since he was selected seventh overall at the 2023 draft and returned to the SKA St. Petersburg, where he’s signed through the 2025-26 season. There’s been focus and drama especially since Michkov was made a healthy scratch for St. Petersburg’s first two regular season games while one of the top prospects for the 2024 NHL draft, Ivan Demidov, cracked the lineup.

Fans started almost immediately to criticize Michkov, and then the KHL, for making the bad call for his career or ruining his development, however, this is some signs that SKA’s decision isn’t as alarming as everyone is making it out to be.

Fans and pundits have to remember that SKA is one of the most powerful teams in the KHL, overflowing with top players and prospects. Last year, Michkov didn’t have a regular spot in the lineup and was loaned to one of the worst teams in the league, seeing that St. Petersburg wanted to avoid keeping him in the stands for most of the season.

The situation remains the same here : SKA is still a top team with many star players on hand and could therefore have top prospects, like Michkov, away from action as some points in the season.

While for now, it looks like Michkov is a healthy scratch, fans should not expect the worst. If he doesn’t play for SKA, there is a sense that he will once again be loaned to keep his development going to be eventually ready for the NHL.

It sure does not look like Michkov is worried about the team’s plans for him. He was seen celebrating with his teammates in the dressing room after their victory on Monday. You can see him smile in the video, which is a good sign the drama isn’t as bad in St. Petersburg.

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