Prospect Matvei Michkov caught controlling his draft destiny!

As the 2023 NHL Draft gets closer, several teams are attempting to know more about prospect Matvei Michkov, but it hasn’t been easy. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, several teams have indicated that they cannot get the confirmation that they will be able to meet Michkov before the draft. Even the scouts that travels to Russia had a hard time talking to him, Friedman added on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast.

There is an ongoing rumour that emerged behind the scenes, and was mentioned again by Friedman and co-host Jeff Marek, that the young Russian prospect is hoping to control his destiny without a preferred destination in mind where he would prefer to play.

Marek believes Michkov is looking to play for the Washington Capitals and possibly only allowed them to meet with him and get the process going so the Caps choose him eighth overall.

The love affair between the Capitals and Russia is well documented; Michkov could one day join forces with legendary Alexander Ovechkin. There already a lot of similarities between the two Russian forward as Michkov’ production in the KHL is as high as Ovechkin’s was back in 2004, as he posted 20 points in 27 games with HC Sochi this season.

Teams selecting prior to Washington, including the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers could choose to pass on Michkov and opt for another prospect, one they got the chance to meet before the draft.

There is a sense that the Capitals believe Michkov is the right thing for the organization right now and maybe the kid is doing everything he can to still be available when Washington hits the podium in eighth place on June 28th.

Recommended articles:

• Huge development with top prospect Matvei Michkov ahead of 2023 NHL Draft
• Another blow to draft prospect Matvei Michkov...
• Rumour: Matvei Michkov’s father’s death is linked to his son’s NHL career
• Heartbreaking message from Matvei Michkov following his father’s suspicious death in Russia
• Matvei Michkov's father found dead at 51 in suspicious case