{"id":632911,"date":"2026-07-29T01:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T01:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/632911\/"},"modified":"2026-07-29T01:03:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T01:03:29","slug":"michkov-talks-preparation-lessons-learned-in-russian-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/632911\/","title":{"rendered":"Michkov Talks Preparation, Lessons Learned in Russian Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Entering the 2026-27 season, you can be sure all eyes will be on Matvei Michkov<\/a> and his ongoing development. The 2023 first-round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> had a tumultuous second season in the NHL, one that started on the wrong foot with new head coach Rick Tocchet<\/a> and finished strong in the regular season, only to be a healthy scratch in the final game of the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Michkov has been in his native Russia for most of the offseason, and his activity there has been on full display on social media.<\/p>\n

Alex Ovechkin<\/a>Artemi Panarin<\/a>Mikhail Sergachev<\/a><\/p>\n

Michkov\u2019s personal profile has been full of videos and photos from workouts with other Russian NHLers, headlined again by Panarin. Michkov also worked with an unidentified Flyers coach for a short period in Russia during the offseason.<\/p>\n

In an interview with RG.org<\/a>, Michkov detailed his offseason work and the lessons he learned from last offseason.<\/p>\n

“What did I learn from last season? That you need to prepare well for the season, not treat it carelessly,” Michkov said. “There was no vacation at all, because an important season is ahead. I need to play well, I want that myself. So I need to keep my body in shape at all times.”<\/p>\n

Michkov\u2019s work with a Flyers\u2019 representative, while only lasting a few weeks, was rigorous. Multiple workouts a day highlighted the schedule.<\/p>\n

\u201cPhiladelphia sent a coach to oversee my preparation for the start of next season. We worked for two weeks, doing three practices a day,\u201d Michkov said. \u201cIn the morning there was the gym, a strength workout, then we’d go to the ice, and in the evening there was another session \u2014 for physical conditioning. Unfortunately, the coach didn’t have that much time, so he wanted to fit everything into two weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Michkov also seems focused on improving his nutrition in addition to conditioning and recovery. It was another area that Tocchet had alluded to in the media, and Michkov seems to be prioritizing that as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s important to eat right so you have the energy for training and recovery,\u201d Michkov said. \u201cAll great players come to this sooner or later. So I have to stick to it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

For now, Michkov remains in Russia to continue his offseason preparation. He is preparing to return to the area around early August.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy training in Russia is still ongoing. There are certain cycles, and once they’re done, I’ll fly to America,\u201d Michkov said. \u201cI want to get a bit more preparation done there, so I can start the season well and play well.”<\/p>\n

Michkov also commented on Trevor Zegras<\/a>\u2019 new deal, saying he congratulated him on the new contract. Michkov called Zegras a strong player, adding that \u201cyou could say the whole team is now basically built around him.”<\/p>\n

Michkov also addressed the other big news in Philadelphia from this past weekend, the signing of LeBron James with the Philadelphia 76ers, showing his excitement to play in the same city as one of the all-time great athletes.<\/p>\n

“This is just great. I love basketball, and the fact that LeBron signed in Philadelphia means a lot,\u201d Michkov said. \u201cI think for the city itself, and for me too. Now it’ll be even more interesting to go to games and watch a player that great perform.<\/p>\n

“If they win, I think all of Philadelphia will be happy. We’ll be supporting them.”<\/p>\n

Michkov and the Flyers return for training camp on Sept. 17. The 2026-27 regular season begins less than two weeks later on Sept. 30, when the Flyers host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a rematch of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durso<\/a> is Flyers insider for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on social media @Kevin_Durso<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers Uniforms Through The Years<\/p>\n

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