Matvei Michkov has all the makings to be a star in the NHL. It may just be a while before he breaks into the league.
One of the more intriguing storylines heading into the 2023 NHL Draft is Michkov, a Russian prospect once considered to be a threat to go No. 1 overall over Connor Bedard.
Michkov, who currently is in the SKA St. Petersburg organization in Russia's KHL, is coming off a strong draft year. He played in just three games for SKA St. Petersburg before he was loaned to HK Sochi, where he saw a major increase in playing time. In 27 games with Sochi, the 17-year-old recorded nine goals and 20 points.
While Bedard has cemented his status as the premiere selection out of this year's draft class, Michkov is the most polarizing figure at the top of the board. It has nothing to do with his talent, as he is regarded as the second-best goal scorer in the draft behind Bedard. It is about his contract with SKA St. Petersburg, which will prohibit him from coming over to the NHL for a few seasons.
Because teams may have to wait for the Russian draft prospect to join their organization, Michkov could fall on draft day. There has been extensive chatter on the Michkov situation leading up to the draft, with the prospect seemingly all over mock drafts.
So when will Michkov play in the NHL? The Sporting News has the potential answer.
When will Matvei Michkov play in the NHL?
Michkov is currently signed with SKA St. Petersburg through the 2025-26 season. It takes him three seasons past his draft eligibility.
That means he likely won't be coming over to North America until the 2026-27 season, at the earliest.
"It is my dream to play in the NHL one day," Michkov said to NHL.com. "But for now I will continue to work on my game and develop as a player at home."
Michkov isn't the only Russian to start his professional career in the KHL for a few seasons before coming over to North America. That was the case with Wild star Kirill Kaprizov. The Minnesota winger was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, but did not join the Wild until the summer of 2020.
Now, just because Michkov is under contract with SKA St. Petersburg does not mean he is definitely staying through the 2025-26 campaign. While rare, there have been cases where a Russian player and his KHL club agree to a mutual contract termination, making the player eligible to sign an NHL contract.
The most recent example occurred earlier this year with Washington's 2022 first-round pick, Ivan Miroshnichenko. The Capitals prospect was under contract with the KHL's Avangard Omsk through the 2023-24 season, however, the two sides agreed on a contract termination, making him immediately eligible to sign a three-year, entry-level contract with Washington.
Who knows if that is something that SKA St. Petersburg or Michkov are interested in. Considering the deal Michkov signed with the KHL club is two years longer than the typical first contract for a KHL player, it seems unlikely, but it is a possibility.
What team is the best fit for Matvei Michkov?
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks could take Michkov at No. 2, however, that feels highly unlikely at this point. Adam Fantilli is seen as the favorite for Anaheim to take, and he fits in well with the team's identity of drafting skilled, versatile forwards who also bring size. Anaheim is closer to taking the next step forward than some other rebuilding clubs, and will benefit much more short-term with Fantilli. If it's not Fantilli, then it's probably Leo Carlsson.
Columbus Blue Jackets
While Michkov would give Columbus the No. 1 center it desperately needs, Jarmo Kekelainen won't tolerate playing the waiting game. The Blue Jackets can't afford to waste the years of Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine in Columbus and are looking to compete again soon.
San Jose Sharks
Michkov to the Sharks makes the most sense, in my opinion. The organization isn't close to competing, as San Jose hasn't really fully committed to a rebuild yet. If there is any team that is in a position to wait three years until Michkov's contract runs out with SKA St. Petersburg, it's them. There is also a bit of recent history with the Sharks bringing in Russian prospects, such as Shakir Mukhamadullin, Danil Gushchin and Alexander Chmelevski.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal does seem to like smaller, skilled forwards, don't they? The club has its centerpieces in Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, but as mentioned, they are on the smaller side. The Canadiens don't need another short king on the roster, plus there have been reported concerns from the Canadiens about their lack of control in Michkov's development with him in Russia.
Arizona Coyotes
If it's not San Jose, it should be Arizona for Michkov. The Coyotes aren't competing anytime soon, and drafting Michkov gives the team a dynamic future with him and Logan Cooley at forward. They already have a top-line right winger in Clayton Keller, but he could be gone by the time Michkov comes over to the States.
