How the Russian record holder changed to regain confidence in the NHL

Russian forward “Philadelphia” Matvey Michkov is recognized as the first star of the game day in the NHL. This is reported on the league website.

On the night of October 20, the Russian scored a double in the match with the Colorado Avalanche. The 21-year-old striker became the first star of the day in the NHL for the first time in his career.

In the United States, Michkov from the age of 16 began to be called a “prodigy”, since he was considered the main star of his generation along with Connor Bedard. The 2026/2027 season is the final season for the 20-year-old Russian under his three-year NHL rookie contract. However, until the current season, he did not live up to expectations.

RBC Sport tells how Michkov decided to change to regain the trust of coaches and fans.

In November 2021, Matvey Michkov set two records. He became the youngest player in the history of the national teams of Russia and the USSR. He also surpassed the achievement of Alexander Ovechkin, scoring the puck at the age of 16 years 339 days and becoming the youngest author of a goal for the national team.

Criticism from Flyers coach

In his debut season, Michkov became the best sniper of Philadelphia and the leader among NHL beginners with 63 points. He also set the club's record as the youngest player to give three assists in a period.

However, last season Michkov had serious problems. During the regular season, he was repeatedly publicly criticized by Flyers head coach Rick Tocket. He pointed to the poor physical shape of the Russian and problems with the game. He noted that before training the player gained 13 kg. In February, Michkov even remained in reserve, and in the playoffs – twice did not get into the application for the match.

Tokket himself later admitted that he may have been too harsh. He called the situation a “lesson for both of them”, noting that it was not worth five times to publicly criticize the fitness of the hockey player.

Michkov, in turn, admitted that the first part of the championship was “not very”, and in the playoffs he showed low performance. According to him, he had to work on all the components of the game: speed, throw and performance.

Russians do not trust independent training

In the summer of 2026 Michkov dropped an extra 13 kg. The hockey player made adjustments to the diet, eliminating fast food and sugar (chocolate is allowed only on weekends), and, by his own admission, began to feel "easier on the ice and faster in all aspects.".

At the same time, the coaching staff of Philadelphia actively participated in the preparation of the player, even when he was in Russia. In July, physical training coach Lorne Goldenberg flew to Perm and held a two-week personal training course with Michkov. The hockey player himself said in the show “Holiday” that the coaches of the team “no longer trust him with their own training.”.

The changes in Michkov’s form were positively assessed by general manager of the Flyers Daniel Brier. He noted that the player has become more energetic and confident, and also looks much better than before.

“I think he is very gambled and likes competition — that is his nature. So I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to prove that last year was just an annoying misfire. He will be able to return to the previous level - that's what I expect from him, Brier added.

Matvey Michkov has completed a three-year contract of a newcomer (salary $ 950,000). The club and the hockey player were already negotiating a new agreement in September 2026. General Manager of “Philadelphia” Brier confirmed the discussion of a new contract with representatives of the Russian forward, but at the moment there is no specific news.