Matvei Michkov has headlined multiple stories ever since he lit it up at World Juniors as a 16-year-old. His talent status was constantly compared to Connor Bedard's, but the constant controversies around him caused his draft stock to drop.
He ended up falling on the Flyers' lap at seven, and the young man's been all smiles since then. Due to contractual conflicts, he won't be able to join the team immediately, but he's made his intentions known that once his KHL deal ended, he'd join the Flyers.
Michkov was a standout 17-year-old in the league last year, notching 20 points in 27 games, and he displayed even better performances during the pre-season. He's found himself a healthy scratch on the team's first two outings while Alex Galchenyuk centred the first line.
Back in his KHL time, Podkolzin was also granted a similar treatment. The winger never had the opportunity to show his full potential due to limited ice time. His confidence still suffers from it. Under contract for three seasons in the KHL, hopefully, Michkov gets the opportunity to develop his game fully.
