Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov would prefer to be traded, league sources told ESPN's Kevin Weekes.
However, Michkov hasn't formally requested a trade, and the report surprised the Flyers' front office, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
Weekes said turmoil within the organization is part of why Michkov wants a fresh start. The 21-year-old appeared to get into a heated exchange with teammate Nick Seeler during Monday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.
There appeared to be a heated moment on the Flyers bench involving Matvei Michkov. https://t.co/fXNF1IdYYY
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 10, 2026
Michkov has a team-leading 10 goals in 20 appearances this season but is averaging only 15:54 per game.
The Flyers selected Michkov with the No. 7 pick in the 2023 draft. He'll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Michkov finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting in 2024-25, tallying 63 points in 80 games as a rookie. Head coach Rick Tocchet criticized Michkov's fitness ahead of the forward's sophomore campaign last year, though he said in September that he regretted the comments.
