Chris Johnston says he doesn't think a Matvei Michkov trade is imminent, and the Flyers aren't looking to dump him.
It's a noticeable shift. Earlier this week, Johnston described the situation as the step before Michkov hits the trade board, and Johnston's earlier warning on Michkov had Flyers fans bracing for a deal.
This afternoon, Johnston added a few important details. To his understanding, Michkov hasn't communicated a direct trade request, and the team isn't actively trying to move him.
That lines up with what Kevin Kurz has said about Michkov not formally asking out. It also fits Elliotte Friedman's view that Danny Briere would rather hold Michkov too long than jettison him too early.
Pierre LeBrun said much the same this morning. Other teams are checking in, but he doesn't think anything is imminent, and he doesn't even expect a trade this year.
LeBrun did leave a door open. If Michkov isn't happy at the end of this season, the conversation could change quickly.
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Which brings us to his playing time. Tocchet was asked at practice in Columbus whether management had sent any message about Michkov's minutes.
"I don't know what you mean by not so many minutes, like 16, 17 minutes. It's not like he's playing 12," Tocchet said, adding that there's been no message and that nobody tells him what to do.
Does Michkov's rough season change the Flyers' plan?
It complicates it, but it shouldn't force a move. Michkov has 10 goals and 15 points in 21 games, which is real production, yet he's a -11 on a 5-10-6 team that sits 28th in the NHL.
We think selling now would be a mistake. A 21-year-old with that goal total and an expiring entry-level deal isn't going to bring back peak value while his rating looks like that.
Briere's patience is the story here. Tocchet's quote suggests the coaching staff isn't pushing Michkov out either, at least not publicly.
The Flyers visit the Blue Jackets on Saturday, and Michkov's ice time against Columbus will be the next thing to watch.
This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.
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Chris Johnston sees a big problem with any Matvei Michkov trade the Flyers make