Matvei Michkov in no rush to play in North America: ''At the moment I like to play in Russia more''

Top prospect for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft Matvei Michkov has taken the hockey world by storm over the last year and a bit.

He first came on to many people's radar at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Switzerland where he lead the tournament in points with 14 in four games. A little over a year later, Michkov had another tournament to remember, this time at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship. He led the tournament in points with 16 in seven games and was also named MVP.

Flash forward to December 2021 and the 17-year-old was named to Russia's World Junior team. Many expected him to be the team's thirteenth forward and not get much ice-time given his age, but the opposite happened. Head coach Sergei Zubov slotted Michkov right onto the top line and despite the tournament being cancelled only a few days in, he provided his scoring touch immediately. In two games, he scored three goals, including a pair in Russia's opening day loss to Sweden.

Although Michkov is eligible for the 2023 draft as mentioned, he won't be coming over to North America for a while. His contract with SKA Saint Petersburg isn't up until after the 2025-26 season and it doesn't sound like he's in a rush to play in the NHL.

"It's too early to go to America, we need to get stronger here, become a player, gain experience, play in the KHL. SKA has very good conditions, similar to the best NHL teams. Everything is done for the player to develop - shooting zones, plastic ice, and so on. Here we are interested in you developing as a player and as a person. Everything is taught, even how to give interviews," Michkov told Championat.

He added, "At the moment I like to play in Russia more, I am more comfortable here. Firstly, I am here with my family, for me this is an important factor. Secondly, I don't know English, now I'm learning it. There is still time before America, I signed such a contract with SKA to prepare for the game in North America. So far, everything suits me in Russia, and SKA gives me everything I need for development."

Michkov was also asked if he would want to play at the upcoming Winter Olympics in China and he responded with, "Of course, I would like to, but it does not depend on me. Any self-respecting player wants to go to the Olympics, this is such a big event, very cool. If I am invited, I will be of benefit to the team, I will prove that I was not mistaken with the choice."

A native of Perm, Russia, Michkov has suited up in 13 games for SKA Saint Petersburg this season as a 16/17-year-old. In those 13 games, he's tallied five points (two goals, three assists) and is a plus-two.

Source: Championat

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