Overview
- Danny Brière told reporters that Matvei Michkov is “not going anywhere,” calling him a long‑term piece and saying the coach‑player relationship is good.
- Rick Tocchet publicly said Michkov arrived to camp out of shape and referenced punctuality for treatments, comments that drew widespread attention and calls from Elliotte Friedman to clear the air.
- Michkov’s average ice time has fallen from about 16:41 last season to roughly 14:32, and he sits at 28 points in 53 games after a 63‑point rookie year.
- In the next game after Brière’s remarks, Michkov logged 15:54 with an assist in a 4–2 win over Washington, and Tocchet said the staff worked with him to extend his shifts.
- Friedman also posited that the departures of Russian teammates Egor Zamula and Ivan Fedotov may have reduced off‑ice support, leaving questions about usage and development to be monitored during the Olympic break.