The 2023 NHL Draft was heralded as one of the most exciting in recent memory, headlined by two transcendent talents: Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov. These two players were touted as generational prospects, capable of reshaping the fortunes of any franchise lucky enough to select them.
Bedard, a phenom from the moment he stepped onto the ice, was the consensus first overall pick. His blend of elite hockey IQ, goal-scoring wizardry, and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations made him a no-brainer for the Chicago Blackhawks at the top of the draft.
But Michkov was no mere afterthought. The electric Russian forward was widely viewed as the closest prospect to Bedard in terms of skill and upside—so much so that, in another draft year, he might have gone first overall himself. Instead, Michkov fell to the Philadelphia Flyers at seventh overall, a gift that was both unexpected and transformative for a rebuilding franchise.
But what if Michkov hadn’t slipped? What if the uncertainty surrounding his KHL contract hadn’t clouded his draft stock? What would the Flyers’ future look like now?
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Michkov’s First Overall-Caliber Talent
Even in a draft dominated by the Bedard hype, Michkov commanded attention as one of the most skilled offensive players to emerge in years. His puck-handling and vision were unparalleled, with scouts marveling at his ability to create plays that others wouldn’t even attempt. His hockey sense was on a different plane; Michkov could process the game at lightning speed, exploiting defensive gaps with a surgeon’s precision.
In junior tournaments and KHL appearances leading up to the draft, Michkov showed a remarkable ability to excel against older, stronger competition. His creativity and ice awareness drew comparisons to Artemi Panarin, while his shot-making ability evoked memories of Alex Ovechkin’s early years.
It wasn’t just scouts raving about Michkov. Analysts and coaches noted that his ceiling might rival Bedard’s, though the two players had very different skill sets. Where Bedard excelled as a pure goal-scorer with an unrelenting motor, Michkov’s strengths in his cerebral approach to the game, his playmaking artistry, and his ability to raise the performance of those around him.
Why Michkov Fell
Michkov’s fall to seventh overall was not a reflection of his talent but rather a product of circumstances beyond his control. Chief among the concerns was his contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, which would keep him in Russia until at least 2026. For teams drafting in the top five, this represented a significant gamble.
The NHL is, at its core, a league built on immediacy. Franchises at the top of the draft order are often desperate for talent they can plug into their lineup as soon as possible. Bedard’s instant availability made him the easy choice for Chicago, while Adam Fantilli, Leo Carson, and Will Smith—all considered elite prospects in their own right—offered the promise of contributing to their teams within a year.
Related: Matvei Michkov Signing Changes Trajectory Of Flyers Rebuild Timeline
Michkov, in contrast, represented a long-term investment. Teams like Anaheim, Columbus, and San Jose were unwilling to wait for Michkov’s timeline, opting instead for players who could accelerate their rebuilds.
The Flyers’ Gamble
For Philadelphia, Michkov’s availability at seventh overall was an unexpected and monumental opportunity. General Manager Danny Briere, entering his first draft at the helm, made it clear that the Flyers were focused on the long game. Michkov’s talent was simply too great to pass up, even with the delay in his arrival. For a player like him, they were more than willing to wait as long as it took.
The decision to draft Michkov instantly revitalized a fanbase eager for hope. While the Flyers had spent the past few years in the NHL’s murky middle, Michkov’s selection symbolized a commitment to building something sustainable. His skillset, personality, and potential aligned perfectly with the organization’s vision for the future.
What If Michkov Had Gone Earlier?
It’s tantalizing to consider what might have happened if Michkov had not fallen to the Flyers. Could Columbus, with its need for high-end offensive talent, have taken the leap? What about San Jose, a team desperate for star power to brighten their future? Even Arizona, picking just ahead of Philadelphia, might have altered their trajectory by drafting Michkov.
Had Michkov gone higher, the Flyers would have been forced to look elsewhere. Would they have taken Ryan Leonard, the dynamic and gritty forward who ultimately landed in Washington? Or would they have opted for a defenseman like David Reinbacher to address a positional need?
Perhaps most intriguing is the question of whether Philadelphia would have been willing to trade down. Without Michkov’s once-in-a-generation skill set on the board, the Flyers might have pursued additional assets, knowing their rebuild required a broader base of talent.
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Michkov’s Impact On The Flyers’ Future
With Michkov now in the Flyers’ lineup, the organization’s trajectory has shifted dramatically. His arrival coincides with a season in which the younger Flyers players are being expected to step into a more impactful and mature role, creating a core that is both talented and diverse.
Michkov’s presence also allows the Flyers to focus on patient development. Knowing that their top prospect is honing his craft in the KHL, the organization can avoid rushing other young players into roles they’re not ready for.
But Michkov’s value extends beyond his skill on the ice. His selection represents a philosophical shift for the Flyers—a willingness to embrace risk, prioritize skill, and think long-term. In a league where immediate results often dictate decisions, Philadelphia’s choice to draft Michkov was a bold and calculated move that could pay dividends for years to come.
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