VIRAL: Videos of Matvei Michkov Showing Off His Skills

Michkov is projected to be one of the best players in his draft class, possibly even the single best ahead of Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old Russia is a phenom already at his age, playing in one of the hardest leagues in the world (KHL) and producing at an insane level -- even better than Alex Ovechkin did.

Recently clips of Matvei Michkov practicing and playing in the World Juniors, as well as in the KHL have been going viral since he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. The videos and clips show just how skillful the kid is and how he can score from almost anywhere on the ice.

The video above captures how versatile Michkov can be, scoring from the hash marks like Ovechkin, in tight despite his size, or pulling of a lacrosse goal; which he has done more than once. Matvei Michkov works harder than any other prospect in his draft class, he is always looking for ways to improve even if he is already at the top of his game. He knows he can be better and he is still only 18, scary to think about how good he could be in his 20's.

Another key aspect of Michkov's game that may go unnoticed from first glance is his hand-eye coordination, batting pucks out of the air with ease. Additionally, his movement is like no other. He has the speed to blast by defenders and can easily monever the opposition with unbelievable dekes. At 5'11, 189 pounds, he uses his small balk stature to get into unprecedented areas to battle for a loose puck or find a juicy rebound in front of the net.

Matvei Michkov does these drills with precise accuracy, followed by ease. He is just so smooth on his skates and his stick handling is unmatched, the way he can rotate his wrists for such incredible speed is outstanding.

"Michkov brings every offensive tool you could want to the table; a wicked wrister, elusiveness, and vision." EPRinkside.com 2021

Michkov was a loan for the KHL HK Sochi in early 2022, where he put up 20 points in 27 games played, scoring 9 goals and had 11 assists. Which are unreal numbers in a league ranked both one of the hardest and best in the world. Michkov, as a 16-year-old, broke a Russian record previously held by Alex Ovechkin for the youngest player to ever suit up for the Russian National Team. Not to mention, Matvei Michkov is also playing on an Ovechkin level in the KHL.

The Flyers may have walked away with one of the biggest steals in recent NHL Draft history but time will tell as hopefully Michkov is able to come over to America after his contract is up in 3 years with the KHL. Which he should be able too, as he is plenty good enough.