Matvei Michkov Says Flyers Contract Talks Haven’t Started

Although he was eligible for a contract extension as of July 1, young Philadelphia Flyers star Matvei Michkov says no such talks have taken place just yet, and won’t for a few more weeks at least.

In a recent interview with RG Media, Michkov, 21, was quizzed on his contract status, but the Russian winger had few updates to offer in the way of a potential extension.

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“No, there haven’t been any talks yet. I don’t know. My main task is to focus on next season. And whatever happens, happens. As God wills, so it will be,” Michkov told RG.

As for offseason communication with head coach Rick Tocchet? “No talks yet. When everything starts, then we’ll talk.”

The Flyers’ main training camp opens on Thursday, Sept. 17, following the Rookie Series games against the New York Rangers and their youngsters at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pa., and from there, we can deduce that Michkov and his camp will be more willing to start talks with the Flyers.

Of course, Michkov has spent most of his summer training back home in Russia, and recently scored a Michigan and hat trick in the Match of the Year charity game for Artemi Panarin’s team.

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The 2023 No. 6 overall pick was reported to be expected back in the area in early August, which gives him a week or two to wrap up his current training and make the trip back to North America.

Michkov is also aware of the hefty contract the Flyers just handed out to teammate Trevor Zegras, who became the highest-paid player on the team after avoiding arbitration.

“I congratulated Trevor on his new contract. He’s staying for four more years. I think it’s a good signing for Philadelphia, because he’s a strong player. You could say the whole team is now basically built around him,” Michkov said of Zegras and his new four-year, $36.5 million contract.

Michkov has one year left on his entry-level contract with the Flyers at a $950k cap hit, with potential for $3.3 million in performance bonuses.