There has been no shortage of discourse surrounding Matvei Michkov this season. The Philadelphia Flyers’ first-round pick in 2023 has seen a sizable dip in production, and his overall performance, a byproduct of his physical condition entering training camp, has led to some interesting comments from head coach Rick Tocchet, so much so that GM Danny Briere had to address it before the Olympic break.

Michkov spoke for the first time since this media firestorm on Tuesday, one day before the Flyers return to action against the Washington Capitals.

‘I was Working the Entire Break’

The Olympic break was largely seen as an opportunity for Michkov to have time to continue working on his conditioning and be in as much shape as possible for the stretch run. Michkov certainly took the opportunity to heart.

While he did share on social media that he was able to find time for a vacation to the Dominican Republic, he spent plenty of time working out.

“Last year, the 4 Nations was not too long a break, so I was just resting,” Michkov said through translator Slava Kuznetsov. “This time, I was not planning to rest. I was not happy with the way the game was going, so I was working the entire break.”

Michkov certainly takes pride in his performance, particularly when offense is proving elusive. The 21-year-old is happiest when he is contributing as he feels he should, which is why he wanted to put in the work over the break.

“My emotions depend on how the hockey goes,” Michkov said, “so that’s why I decided to work instead of the rest.”

‘You Have to Concentrate on Hockey All the Time’

By now, it’s hardly news that Michkov wasn’t in shape coming into training camp this season. Tocchet referenced it multiple times. Briere said it. Even Michkov himself admitted it much earlier in the season.

Briere has focused on it being a lesson for Michkov on how to be a better pro and to be prepared for the grind that is an NHL season. It appears Michkov has learned that lesson.

“The NHL is hard work,” Michkov said. “If you take a four-month break, it can reflect your game. You have to concentrate on hockey all the time, and you cannot take even a month of break.”

Michkov also spoke of training during the break and making sure that you stay the course while being careful to remain available to play.

“You have to be smart when you train in the break,” Michkov said, “don’t take injury, but training must go.”

‘Very Common Relationship Between Player and Coach’

Much has been made since the beginning about the relationship that Michkov has with Tocchet. Briere said three weeks ago that the two are competitive people, but have the same goal and desire to make it work. He added that they have a good relationship.

Michkov kept things much more neutral, not too high or low on his relationship with Tocchet.

“Very common relationship between the player and coach,” Michkov said. “Everybody has the same goal – the coaches and players – to win, so we’re working that way.”

‘I’ll Play as Much Time as I’m Given, and I Have to Do My Job’

Michkov’s ice time is particularly a main topic when it comes to Tocchet. Michkov kept the focus on himself when it comes to playing time and making the most of what he’s given.

“I’ll play as much time as I’m given,” Michkov said, “and I have to do my job. That’s the only thing I care about. The way he plays me, that’s the way he decides to play, so I’ll play. I’m a player, and I have to concentrate 100 percent on what I’ve been doing at the moment.”

‘I Have to Adapt as Quick as I Can’

Michkov has also been primarily used on the left wing this season, despite playing right wing in his rookie season and throughout his career in Russia.

Michkov has been working on the adjustment, but noted that it has been a new experience for him.

“I’m always playing the right, I was always happy. Now I’m playing on the left and it’s a new role. If the coach sees me there, I have to adapt as quick as I can. But, for me, on the right, I can create a lot more moments. Now I have to switch everything on the left and do the same thing.”

Kevin Durso is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso.

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