Matvei Michkov has been benched by John Tortorella and the Philadelphia Flyers

PUBLICATION

Austin Kelly
November 7, 2024 (1:55 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Philadelphia Flyers have made a stunning lineup decision, benching star rookie Matvei Michkov for tonight's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The team officially announced Michkov, one of the team's most highly touted prospects in years, would be inactive for the first time in his NHL career.

The 19-year-old Michkov, who came over early to Philadelphia despite a contract in his native Russia with SKA St. Petersburg until 2026, is second on the Flyers in Goals (4), Assists (6) & Points (10).

Flyers head coach John Tortorella called the decision to sit Michkov a beneficial one for his NHL career, saying the youngster being benched was a way to add to his development watching the game being played from the side.

Tortorella benched Michkov late at the end of the Flyers' previous game against the Carolina Hurricanes, in which Philadelphia lost 6-4, a signal that a move was incoming to drop Michkov from the lineup.

It's unclear how long Michkov will be benched by the team, although it's unlikely to be long-term, but follows the same development path undertaken last year for fellow 2023 Draft rookies Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli with the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets respectively, both of whom were scratched for long periods to ease their transition to pro hockey and give them time for analysis over playing, while also not overworking their youngsters.

Seen as a top prospect for years alongside fellow 2023 Draft eligible Connor Bedard, the Philadelphia Flyers drafted Matvei Michkov in the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, seventh overall. Concerns were had over how long it would take to get Michkov, signed long-term in the KHL with SKA, further questioned as it is the favorite team of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, to come to North America, if he were to even do so.

Michkov officially broke from his contract at the end of last season with SKA, having spent the year on loan with HC Sochi, in which Michkov had 19 goals and 41 points in 47 games with the KHL club and played for SKA.