Flyers GM Briere says report Michkov wants out 'not correct'

Daniel Briere said the report of Matvei Michkov wanting to play elsewhere “was not correct,” and the Philadelphia Flyers general manager expects the forward to be a big part of their team now and in the future.

“Part of the reason why we’re in Edmonton is this morning we got a chance to meet up with Matvei and Matvei said (the report) wasn’t from him. He never said anything about that. He doesn’t know where it came from, who it was from,” Briere said Wednesday. “We also spoke to his agent, and his agent swears it wasn’t from him either.

“Matvei attracts a lot of attention and rightfully so. He’s been having a good season. He showed up this year, he’s done everything we’ve asked of him, and he started the season really well. People want to know more about him. So, when there’s a report like this today (about) a player we expect to be here for a long, long time and part of the solution for the long term, it’s important to step in front of it and adjust what’s been out there.”

Michkov said earlier in the day that he’s happy playing for the Flyers and not paying attention to news reports that he wants to play somewhere else.

"I don't read all the news. I don't want to talk or interview," Michkov said in Edmonton. "I need concentration on just tonight's game and that's all."

The Flyers (5-10-5) play the Edmonton Oilers (13-3-3) at Rogers Place on Wednesday (9 p.m. ET; SNW, NBCSP).

NHL Network and ESPN analyst Kevin Weekes, citing multiple League sources, said Tuesday that the 21-year-old forward "likely prefers to have a fresh start elsewhere" given the Flyers' difficult start to the season and internal discord.

Coach Rick Tocchet shot down the report.

"There's nothing to talk about, it's not true," Tocchet said. "So, there's nothing to report. You can't comment on somebody blogging something that's not true.”

Briere also shot down talk of conflict between Michkov and his teammates, saying any turmoil revolved around their rough start to the season.

“They came in this year expecting to be much better,” Briere said. “When you don’t win there are lots of meetings, there’s lots of discussions. Everything is in the spotlight more. So, that kind of turmoil? Absolutely.

“Guys are not happy, guys are competitive and we all know Matvei Michkov, one of his biggest strengths is his competitiveness. He said it publicly. He’s not happy with the fact that the team’s not winning enough. So, that kind of turmoil, yes. That’s where it goes to. These guys, they want to stick together. They won last year and they want to get back to the winning ways.”

The Flyers qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season for the first time since 2019-20, advancing to the Eastern Conference Second Round where they were swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

When asked if he talked to Briere about the report, Michkov said, "Daniel told the whole team to concentrate just on hockey and I agree with him. I think everybody needs concentration and strong play tonight."

The report from Weekes came one day after Michkov and teammate Nick Seeler, appeared to have a heated conversation on the Flyers bench during a 3-1 win at the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.

When asked about the incident, Michkov said, "Of course (it's settled).

"This is an emotional game, and everybody wants to win. It's an emotional game for me too and all the guys are hungry for wins. On the bench, too, it's so emotional, but for me, this is just knowing all guys are emotional and everybody wants to win. Before the game, we'll sit together at dinner and eat, but this is all good."

When asked if he was happy in Philadelphia, he said, "Yeah, of course."

Briere also downplayed the Seeler-Michkov exchange.

“They’re competitive guys. Matvei is one of the most competitive people and players we’ve had here in a while,” Briere said. “When you’re not winning, yeah, there are some rifts here and there. I’ve been through it in my career many, many times.

“That’s part of the passion; that’s part of what you love about your players and your teammates: they’re going to fight here and there because they want to find a way out of this.”

Michkov, selected by the Flyers with the No. 7 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has 14 points (10 goals, four assists) in 20 games this season. The 14 points are tied for the team lead with center Trevor Zegras and the 10 goals are tied for 13th in the NHL.

He has 128 points (56 goals, 72 assists) in 181 games, bursting onto the NHL scene in 2024-25 with 26 goals and 63 points in his rookie season. He had 51 points (20 goals, 31 assists) last season to help the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but just one point (an assist) in eight playoff games and was a healthy scratch in four others.

He can become a restricted free agent after this season.

"I'm feeling good, I want to win," Michkov said. "Hard games, hard start, this is life. We need to find our place, step by step, everybody needs harder work, all guys."

NHL.com independent correspondent Gerry Moddejonge contributed to this report