Matvei Michkov has reportedly demanded a trade out of Philadelphia, and that means that if the Maple Leafs want to make another deal, there's a new target available.
On Tuesday afternoon it was reported by NHL insider and former goaltender Kevin Weekes that Philadelphia Flyers star forward Matvei Michkov has demanded a trade out of Philly after a terrible start and turmoil between himself the the club:
From multiple league sources, with the Flyers unimpressive start and internal turmoil, Michkov would likely want a new start elsewhere. He's in the last year of his contract & is a prime trade candidate moving forward.
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Michkov wants out of Philly after consistent team struggles and turmoil
Michkov, 21, has 14 points in 20 games this season for the Flyers and has 56 goals and 128 points in 181 career games since being drafted seventh overall by the Flyers in 2023.
There has been a lot of issues within the Flyers organization from top to bottom, but a lot of attention has been drawn towards Michkov's consistent back and forth with head coach Rick Tocchet, as their relationship has been tumultuous from the start.
You can't blame the forward for feeling frustrated especially when it feels like everyone is against him, but the fact that Philadelphia has essentially collapsed after last season's strong finish showed Michkov that the team might have deeper issues.
Maple Leafs handed golden opportunity to rebuild Michkov
With one Russian superstar already traded for this year, the Maple Leafs could very well target Michkov and give themselves a top-six scoring threat - and some insurance down the road.
Michkov would bring a third young player to build around alongside Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna, and would also give the team much needed offensive help should Auston Matthews leave town in the future.
Acquiring him won't be easy, and the team very well may need to part with their last remaining premium assets, but a motivated Michkov is a dangerous player and much like Marchenko - it's hard to say no.
He's signed until this summer only, needs a new deal, and wants out. So that means Toronto is going to have to likely pay handsomely for Michkov. Something in the realm of $8 or $9M per season is a very honest assumption of his next deal and it'll be for the max amount of term.
Whether that is going to cause more issues down the road for the Maple Leafs or not is anyone's guess. But adding the calibre of player like Michkov doesn't come around too often.
The only question then becomes - would Michkov want to move from one struggling situation to another?
Do you think Matvei Michkov is going to be traded from the Philadelphia Flyers?
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