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Photo: Vedran Galijas / JUSTPICTURES.CH
We initiated our coverage of the upcoming 2023 NHL Entry Draft last week with the first in a series of draft prospect profiles. We began with profiles of Colby Barlow (here) and Dalibor Dvorsky (Here).
Next up is Russian sensation Matvei Michkov, who’s projected draft ranking has fluctuated in recent days, and has even been projected to go to the Capitals by The Athletic’s Cory Pronman.
MATVEI MICHKOV – (18) – 5’10” – 148LBS, RW, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
There are so many storylines surrounding the electrifying forward, who is the ultimate wild card in this whole draft. Michkov had been projected to go No. 2 behind Connor Bedard, but his stock has fallen in recent days. Some say it’s because his KHL contract lasts until 2026 while others have expressed overall skepticism in drafting Russian players. At this point, it’s all conjecture.
The Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams that have been backing away from Michkov because of his contract situation. They see the upside in him, but there is no guarantee that he comes overseas to start his development once he is drafted.
Michkov also has been dealing with personal issues. In April, it was reported that his father was found dead in a pond at age 51. Before these issues popped up, the 18-year-old phenom was widely regarded as the next Alex Ovechkin.
Even if Michkov is not selected in the Top 5, he is going to go in the Top 10. He had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) with HK Sochi this season in 27 games, which is respectable performance on a bad team. Sochi was last in the Bobrov Division of the KHL going 11-57.
The Perm, native blossomed in last year’s Hlinka/Gretzky Cup, where he racked up 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in just five games for the U18 Russian national squad, which led the entire tournament.
Michkov’s strongest asset is his shot. He has a very quick release and is very good at shooting through traffic in front of the net. A big reason why his release is excellent in front of the net is his stickhandling ability. Michkov has the puck on a string and he can weave through traffic with ease. He even had the confidence to pull off a lacrosse goal against the Kunlun Red Star.
The big area of required improvement for Michkov is his play in the defensive zone. He is sometimes careless with the puck in his own end and is slow on the backcheck.
If Michkov falls to No. 8, he is pretty much a lock to come to Washington. Despite the speculation surrounding Russian players, the Caps have shown that they are not afraid to draft them. Last year, the Caps selected Russian forward Ivan Miroshnichenko with the 20th overall selection. Miroshnichenko was regarded as a steal in last year’s draft and Michkov could be labeled as the same the longer he goes undrafted.
OTHER TAKES
What makes Michkov stand out are his puck skills and overall intelligence on the ice. He is a highly creative player, and that allows him to create space for himself and his teammates in various situations. He can stickhandle his way out of trouble, and the puck can sometimes seem to be glued to his stick as he works his way around the offensive zone. He anticipates the play well, and can attack an open seam with a wicked shot or a pass with pin-point precision.
Corey Pronman: The Athletic (8th overall)
I think this is the alleyway where a Michkov pick becomes realistic, plus or minus one or two picks. In very early discussions with people around the league on him, Washington or Detroit are considered the betting favorites for his landing spot. Does anyone really have a clue though? No. He could be long gone by this pick, or possibly he could drop further.
Scott Wheeler: The Athletic (3rd overall)
Michkov is, without question or hesitation, the best prospect I’ve ever ranked at No. 3 in advance of any draft and the best Russian prospect since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin back in 2004…. Michkov’s brilliance comes primarily from his ability to make his decisions quickly and execute on them with incredible proficiency, whether that’s ripping a patterned shot (his one-timer, his standstill wrister, his curl-and-drag, etc.), a quick move into a pass, a sudden stop-up, or an attacking cut.
Other rankings
Elite Prospects: 4
Craig Button: 4
Daily Faceoff: 3
NHL Central scouting: 2 (among EU skaters)
By Jacob Cheris
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