Michkov is being released by his KHL club, a step on his path to the Flyers, an AP source says

By JOHN WAWROW and STEPHEN WHYNO

Matvei Michkov has been released by his club in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. According to a person familiar with the situation, this is the first step on the Philadelphia Flyers’ top talent’s path to joining them in the NHL next season.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday on condition of anonymity because neither the Flyers nor SKA Saint Petersburg had announced the transaction.

Michkov’s early arrival in North America would be a huge advantage for Philadelphia, which selected the skilled, talented forward with playmaking qualities seventh overall in the 2023 draft, knowing that he still has three years left on his KHL contract.

But in recent weeks, there have been rumors that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to sign Michkov long before 2026. The Flyers recently went through a bizarre saga involving goalie Ivan Fedotov, who was drafted into Russian military service after signing his NHL contract in 2022 and returned to the KHL before they finally signed him in March.

Michkov’s situation is much simpler, but the 19-year-old has the potential to change the fortunes of a franchise that hasn’t won the Stanley Cup since 1974 and 1975. Philadelphia is coming off a rebuild after missing the playoffs each of the last four seasons and is beginning to transform into a contender.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl