Matvei Michkov was the highest-scoring rookie in the NHL last season, but it’s been a slower start to his sophomore season in 2025-26.
After tallying 26 goals and 63 points a year ago, Michkov has three goals and eight points in 15 games this season. The 20-year-old winger has scored in back-to-back outings, including in Saturday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators, but he went without finding the net in nine straight games before that.
Flyers captain Sean Couturier told reporters after Saturday’s loss that Michkov needs to find other ways to help the team when he’s not scoring.
“He’s a great goal scorer and has a lot of skill. I think you just got to find a way to contribute to helping the team win in other ways when you’re struggling. You’re not always going to be scoring goals every game,” Couturier said.
“I’ve seen improvement in the way he’s not cheating as much and being on the right side of pucks and I’m sure it’s a little different for him, but if he sticks to playing more the right way I think it’s going to be better for the team overall.”
When asked if he’s seen a weight lifted off Michkov’s shoulders after scoring two games in a row, Couturier said he’s seeing improvement from the second-year forward.
“I think so. I think you can tell tonight he was trying to make a lot of plays with the puck, holding onto the puck. So, I think he’s definitely feeling good about himself,” Couturier said.
Michkov was selected with the No. 7 overall pick by the Flyers in the 2023 draft and left SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL to join the Flyers last season.
Philadelphia enters play Monday at 8-5-2, good for fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 18 points in 15 games.
