Report: Flyers held secret meeting with Michkov ahead of Draft

In case you missed it yesterday, the Philadelphia Flyers surprised the hockey world by drafting top prospect Matvei Michkov 7th overall at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

The uber-talented Michkov was projected as a top 3 talent in the draft, but his three year contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL and his reluctance to meet with some NHL clubs scared off potential suitors. Fans and experts predicted he might go 8th overall to the Washington Capitals or maybe even 11th overall to the Vancouver Canucks, both two teams with a history of fostering young Russian talent.

In the end though, the Flyers took a chance on Michkov and it appears that they had the inside track on him all along.

Yesterday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Flyers held a secret meeting with Michkov at their practice facility where Michkov himself convinced the Flyers to draft him.

Check it out:

After he was selected Michkov even went on record saying that the Flyers were his preference all along.

Side note... what a photo of this kid. Just casually flexing a gold Rolex watch at 18 years old...

Honestly, I'm not sure if I can make sense of why exactly Michkov is so enamored with the Flyers but you've got to hand it to new GM Daniel Briere. The rookie GM has made some pretty bold moves in his first offseason as Flyers GM and doesn't look like he's about to chill out anytime soon. He has shipped out veterans Ivan Provorov and Kevin Hayes and has stated that he's looking to make more impactful moves before the season begins. Make no mistake, this ain't your Daddy's Philadelphia Flyers. For better or worse, GM Briere is molding this team in his vision and, frankly, I think he's doing one Hell of a job. 

If Briere can convince Michkov to break off his deal in the KHL and join the Flyers either this upcoming season or next season, it will be an absolute steal. The Flyers look to have acquired a top flight talent through Briere's sheer determination.