Philadelphia Flyers Matvei Michkov making John Tortorella see red

So, going into the 2024-25 season, one storyline that is going to be at the forefront is how Matvei Michkov develops. Picked seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, the 19-year-old has every tool in the box to make an immediate splash in the NHL. The big question is, though, how is he going to mesh with the Flyers' no-nonsense head coach John Tortorella? It's already looking like there could be some friction.

During one recent Flyers scrimmage, the famously creative-on-the-ice Matvei Michkov tried the flashy Michigan move, a trick Tortorella has loudly decried publicly as bad for the game. The moment Michkov did, Tortorella turned to his coaching staff, who were already snickering at the development.

Despite the tough start, Flyers GM Danny Briere seemed excited to see Matvei Michkov under a veteran coach like Tortorella. At that scrimmage, however, Tortorella was all business with the young Russian. This seemed to be a constant judge of what Michkov was doing.

The Flyers are in a semi-rebuild mode, which means they will give Matvei Michkov every chance to shine. Talent is only one thing, but being on a different page than your coach could find him on the bench sooner rather than later. Without question, one of the storylines of the season is going to be the dynamic between Tortorella and Michkov.

Source: Blades of Steel
Philadelphia Flyers Matvei Michkov already getting under John Tortorella's skin