Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Kent Hughes had apparently made the right call regarding a polarizing Philadelphia Flyers forward.
Matvei Michkov, the player many wanted the Montreal Canadiens to select with the fifth overall pick, continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The forward was removed from the lineup and sent to the press box during the playoffs by head coach Rick Tocchet a few weeks ago.
Michkov reportedly refused to take the ice for the pregame warmup, which forced the Flyers’ hand.
The details are finally coming out today, several weeks later and in the middle of the Stanley Cup Final.
Rumours about his attitude issues continue to grow in Philadelphia.
The Montreal Canadiens dodged a bullet by not drafting Matvei Michkov, and the Flyers’ decisions confirm Kent Hughes made the right move
The decision was heavily criticized.
Michkov was considered the most talented player available.
But Hughes apparently had reservations about the person behind the player.
And today, it’s becoming clear why.
Refusing to participate in a pregame warmup during the playoffs is the kind of action that does not go over well in an NHL locker room.
Imagine that situation in the Montreal market.
It would have been a media firestorm.
Michkov’s talent is not in question, but in an organization like the Montreal Canadiens, character matters just as much as talent.
Hughes knew that in 2023.
And recent events appear to support his decision.
By their actions, including removing Michkov from the lineup during the NHL playoffs, the Flyers are confirming what Kent Hughes and Nick Bobrov believed they saw in 2023.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Flyers’ Matvei Michkov decision reinforces Kent Hughes’ Canadiens gamble
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