Flyers Deny Knowledge of Michkov Trade Desire, Veterans Being Blamed

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On Tuesday afternoon, Kevin Weekes reported, citing multiple league sources, that Matvei Michkov would likely want a fresh start elsewhere, pointing to the Flyers’ poor start and internal turmoil. The news came just hours after an incident was caught on camera in which Michkov was arguing with teammate Nick Seeler over an unconfirmed issue (believed to be the decision not to make a pass during the game against the Vancouver Canucks.) Obviously, Michkov wanting out is a huge story.

Michkov is in the final year of his entry-level deal and will be a restricted free agent this summer. Emily Kaplan, Anthony Di Marco, and Charlie O’Connor all reported that he hasn’t formally requested a trade and that the Flyers front office was caught off guard. Kaplan writes, “Following up on this Kevin Weekes bombshell, I’ve been told that Matvei Michkov has not formally requested a trade from the Flyers. In fact, this report was news to the Flyers front office.”

Di Marco added that tensions may have risen after Monday’s game. GM Danny Briere is at the GM meetings and won’t comment. “Not that Emily needs confirmation, but this is accurate. I was told that it was news to the Flyers and that they had not heard from Michkov’s camp. There are whispers that this boiled over following last night’s game for Michkov.”

Related: Is Matvei Michkov Ready to Leave the Flyers? Here’s What We Actually Know

Did the Flyers Know?

The Flyers saying they didn’t know is a bit hard to imagine. It’s been clear for some time that Michkov has appeared unhappy in Philadelphia. He’s had issues with several coaches in terms of his playing time and ability to be coached. Rock Tocchet is just the latest.

That said, it is possible that the Flyers were a bit blindsided here. If his camp has let it leak that he’d like to be traded and they went to the press instead of the team, it makes sense that Briere and Flyers management would be upset that it got out. Technically, they wouldn’t be lying if they said they weren’t aware of a trade request.

That doesn’t mean Weekes misreported this. In fact, he’s one of the most accurate NHL insiders out there. If he reports a bit of news like this, it’s likely true.

How Do the Flyers Fix This?

Briere should meet with Michkov and his camp this week. Get to the bottom of what’s going on, then make him understand that he’s central to the organization’s long-term success. Lay out a plan and stick to it. Play him like the top goal scorer, giving him top-three minutes among forwards, including defensive situations.

If the locker room is the problem, confront veterans and get the leadership group to get on board. Di Marco reports, Speaking with sources, DFO was told the veterans on the Flyers are the biggest issues right now. Suggesting “the play of (Porter) Martone and (Matvei) Michkov isn’t the problem,” sources explicitly called out names like forwards Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier and Trevor Zegras along with defensemen Travis Sanheim and Cam York for not pulling their weight and helping the team close out tight games.

He adds that even if Konecny enforces his no-movement clause, the Flyers will look to take an axe to their nucleus of veteran players if the season doesn’t turn around.

At the end of the day, if Michkov still asks out, get the best possible deal you can, then start looking at those responsible and ask if they should remain with the organization.

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