A loan to HC Sochi in the KHL seemed to be the worst thing that could happen to Matvei Michkov on September 11th, 2023.
As the youngster has a history of pain linked to Sochi, relating to the death of his father, the narratives surrounding the move were murky.
Matvei Michkov #FueledByPhilly 3-2 Sochi #KHL
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He has since proven Roman Rotenberg wrong for sending him away by being an offensive juggernaut in Sochi. He has shown his value in the KHL with his latest goal.
Michkov displays his hockey IQ in this clip by rebounding a shot off a teammate. His quick release allows him to put the puck in the net on the rebound.
In the 2nd best league in the world, Michkov has posted 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 7 games in Sochi.
Sochi may have been a cautionary tale in the beginning, but now it may be a blessing in disguise.