There was once a time when Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov were seen as the 1A and 1B in the 2023 NHL Draft.
That's no longer the case.
Michkov, a Russian prospect that plays for the KHL's SKA St. Petersburg, is one of the top players in this year's draft class. He is a pure goal scorer and is viewed as one of the best prospects in recent history to come from Russia.
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The winger was named MVP at 16 years old of the World U18 Championship and broke Lightning star Nikita Kucherov's records for most goals and points scored by a 16-year-old in Russia's top junior league. Michkov is also the youngest player to ever suit up for Russia’s senior national team, an honor previously held by Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin.
With that said, there is a chance that Michkov falls on draft day. He is regarded as a part of the second tier of prospects below Bedard, joining Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and Will Smith in that category, but could be the last one of the group to hear his name called.
So how is it that a player that is touted as this dominant goal scorer could fall out of the very top of the board? The Sporting News explains the unique circumstances surrounding Michkov.
Why teams might pass on Russian prospect Matvei Michkov in 2023 NHL Draft
Teams may be skeptical of drafting Michkov due to his current contract situation in the KHL.
Michkov is currently signed with SKA St. Petersburg through the 2025-26 season. It takes him three seasons past his draft eligibility and is two years longer than the typical first contract for a KHL player.
That means he 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."
It is not uncommon for Russians to come over to North America years after being drafted. That was the case with the Wild and 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.
Michkov's case is different considering just how highly ranked he is as a prospect. Teams picking within the first five or so selections typically want a player that can help them right away. Or, at the very least, can develop in their organization for a season or two, and then make the jump to the NHL.
"It has been challenging to get the scouting evaluations with Russian players," Dan Marr said, the NHL Central Scouting vice president. "If you're strictly evaluating the on-ice play, then Michkov is one of the elite players in this draft class. He has the potential to be in the conversation as of one of the elite players of this decade, same as Connor Bedard. If you factor in a healthy and stronger player, Michkov will be able influence games and have a similar impact on the scoreboard as Bedard. They both have their own unique styles of attack when they have the puck, they are offensive threats and they're both exciting players to watch.
Where Michkov will be taken in the draft is going to be in the conversation at every scouting meeting right up until draft day.
In terms of Michkov's development in Russia, there should be no concerns that staying in his home country will be detrimental to his progression. SKA St. Petersburg is one of the top clubs in Russia and Michkov should be a mostly-polished product once his contractual obligations expire.
However, whoever drafts him won't have as much of a say in his development while he's still in Russia. The club must trust that he can progress under the tutelage of SKA St. Petersburg staff.
What NHL 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.
