Player Preview: Matvei Michkov can have the bounceback season we’re dreaming of

Broad Street Hockey evaluates Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov ahead of his third NHL campaign, arguing that the 21-year-old can achieve a bounceback season. The preview follows a difficult sophomore year in which Michkov struggled after arriving at training camp out of shape, leading to reduced effectiveness and fewer offensive contributions.

Michkov saw his point total decline by 12 and his goal output drop by six, while head coach Rick Tocchet publicly criticized his commitment. Consequently, Michkov's average ice time fell from 16:41 to 14:50 per game, pushing him down the lineup behind teammates such as Noah Cates and Sean Couturier.