Major twist: Matvei Michkov will make a decision on the Montreal Canadiens

The case of Matvei Michkov is not only making a lot of waves in Montreal, but also in the NHL. While his talent is undeniable, several red flags are present and they are enough to scare the executives of the various league teams.

One only has to think of the political problems in Russia, the strange coincidence of his father's death, his absence at the NHL combine, the fact that few scouts have seen him play in person in recent years, and his contract with SKA in the KHL which ends in three seasons.

In a recent 31 thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman adds another red flag to this case, and this last one is quite eyebrow-raising.

According to Friedman, the real story in this case is not his presence at the next draft in Nashville on June 28, but rather the fact that he will not speak to everyone before the draft. It seems that several teams have not yet received confirmation that they will be able to discuss with the Russian player before the start of the event.


So, the rumor is circulating behind the scenes of the league that Michkov would like to choose his future destination in the NHL. It's not crazy when he apparently prevents any team from speaking to him and ensuring his future plans...

In these circumstances, we can understand Kent Hughes, if he doesn't receive a callback from the prospect's camp, wanting to either trade to, or opt for another player than Michkov.

As Charles-Alexis Brisebois from the site DLC reminds us, even if he agrees to meet with the CH, do we really want this type of person in the CH organization? Is he a player who would really fit into the culture that Martin St. Louis is trying to establish with the organization?

To ask the question is somewhat to answer it. We have seen too often in recent years this kind of player with the Montreal club. It's time to move on!

This is a turnaround. We thought the decision for Michkov was in the hands of Kent Hughes, but it now seems to be in the hands of... Matvei Michkov! Wow!