Overview
- Speaking to reporters for the first time since early December, Michkov said his relationship with head coach Rick Tocchet is a normal player–coach dynamic with no bad blood.
- He reiterated a preference for right wing, saying he creates more offense there, but noted he is adapting to Tocchet’s deployment of him on the left.
- Michkov said he trained every day during the break in the Dominican Republic with a personal trainer, doing seven days of two-a-day off-ice sessions focused on strength, conditioning, and stamina.
- He acknowledged last summer’s training lapse and arriving at camp out of shape, and his production has dipped to 29 points in 55 games after a 63-point rookie season, with his average ice time down by more than two minutes.
- With the Flyers resuming play Wednesday in Washington, his usage and wing assignment bear watching after GM Danny Brière earlier reaffirmed the organization’s long-term commitment to him.