Danny Briere responds to the Matvei Michkov trade chatter

Danny Briere just told Frank Seravalli that the Flyers have "no plan" to trade Matvei Michkov, and the GM's answer lands hours before puck drop in Edmonton.

UPDATE (1:49 PM ET): Matvei Michkov addressed the trade report directly, per KKurzNHL, after being asked about the suggestion he might want to play elsewhere. "You know, I no read all news. I no talk interview. I need concentration just on tonight's game. That's all."

KKurzNHL also relayed that Michkov, when pressed on the bench exchange, said the dinner with Seeler cleared things up: "Before this game we sit together (at) dinner and eat. This is all good." He added that all the guys are hungry for wins.

UPDATE (1:43 PM ET): Nick Seeler backed up Michkov's account, telling reporters, per Ryan Rishaug, that the bench conversation last game wasn't a big deal. KKurzNHL relayed Michkov's explanation: "This is emotional game. Everybody want win. Seels emotional guy. Me too." He called that emotion "good" for the team.

Tocchet also spoke to JD Bunkis' reporting of the trade talk, saying "There's nothing to talk about because it's not true."

UPDATE (1:34 PM ET): Chris Johnston reports the Flyers aren't simply going to give up on Michkov. If they ever did consider moving him, he says, they would want a prized centerman or a quality player back, and they are certainly not focused on a trade.

Ryan Rishaug relayed that Michkov did speak before the game. Asked if he's happy as a Flyer, he said, "Yeah of course," adding that he isn't reading the news and needs to concentrate on tonight. Michkov also said he and Nick Seeler had dinner together and everything is fine. Rishaug reported that Rick Tocchet dismissed the trade reports as "somebody blogging something that is not true."

It's a direct response to what Kevin Weekes reported on Tuesday about Michkov: that the young winger would likely want a fresh start elsewhere. Fans have spent a full day wondering whether a breakup was coming.

Seravalli relayed that Briere says there is no trade plan in place, with more on how the GM and the organization see the player.

Elliotte Friedman added his own read. He has tried to dig into what is going on between Michkov and the Flyers, and what he has heard is that Briere is committed to the player. Friedman also noted that Briere asked Michkov to get in better shape last summer, and that Michkov did.

Chris Johnston reported that the team has received no formal trade request. A team source went further with KKurzNHL, saying Michkov has not requested a trade.

The production gives Briere a real argument. Michkov has 10 goals and 14 points in 20 games, while the Flyers sit 27th in the NHL at 5-10-5.

The front office also showed up in person. Briere, Dan Hilferty and Keith Jones all attended the morning skate in Edmonton, a rare show of presence on a road day. The bench clash between Michkov and Nick Seeler is part of the background here, and nobody has tied it to a trade request.

Is Michkov really staying in Philadelphia?

For now, that is the stated position. But a GM's public answer is not a guarantee, and Michkov is a restricted free agent this summer, so the contract question is coming no matter what gets said today.

Moving him now would be a mistake. He is 21, he is producing on a team that is struggling to score, and the only reported friction involves a bench moment and a conditioning talk he apparently answered.

The tension is not gone. Michkov has not spoken publicly in this story, and the Flyers hit the ice against the Oilers tonight with every camera watching to see how he looks. If he does face reporters, we will keep tabs on what he says.

Quick hits

BUFFALO SABRESAndrei Vasilevskiy looks like the Lightning's goalie tonight at KeyBank Center, according to EddieInTheYard, who watched the optional morning skate. Sabres shooters will have their hands full.

MONTREAL CANADIENSMike Matheson is travelling with the team to Boston, per HabsInHighHeels, and a return Thursday looks possible. That would be a welcome boost on the back end.

DETROIT RED WINGSHockeytown West Podcast just reported that Nate Danielson headed to the Griffins locker room after a rough hit in Grand Rapids. No word yet on how serious it is.

CALGARY FLAMESJonathan Huberdeau and Sam Honzek were full participants in the Flames' morning skate Wednesday, per Ryan Pike. That is a notable step for Huberdeau.

OTTAWA SENATORSNick Cousins is out a week to 10 days after the Jakob Chychrun hit, Bruce Garrioch reported this morning. The Senators now have a timeline to work with.

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.