Rookie Michkov Battles to Earn Coach's Trust as Flyers Fight for Playoff Spot

As of November 17th, 2025, rookie forward Matvei Michkov is facing an uphill battle to earn more playing time with the Philadelphia Flyers. Michkov's average ice time of 14:50 per game ranks just 14th on the team and 9th among Flyers forwards.

The 20-year-old Michkov had shown signs of a breakout earlier this month, scoring goals in three straight games. However, his ice time has since dropped back down, with just 14:07 in a win over the St. Louis Blues on November 15th and 14:35 in a loss to the Dallas Stars the following day.

Michkov's conditioning level has been a concern, with the player himself acknowledging that he didn't train as optimally as he could have in the offseason. Former NHL players-turned-analysts suggest it can take 2-3 months for an out-of-shape player to fully catch up, putting Michkov behind the curve.

Additionally, Michkov's tendency to make high-risk plays has eroded the trust of coach Rick Tocchet, who has been forced to rely more on the Flyers' other offensive contributors as the team fights for a playoff spot in the tight Metropolitan Division. The Flyers have played a league-high 8 games past regulation this season, making it crucial for Tocchet to deploy the players he trusts most in close, high-pressure situations.

As Michkov continues to work on his conditioning and decision-making, the Flyers will need to balance his long-term development with the immediate need to secure as many points as possible in their quest for a postseason berth.