Russia junior Matvei Michkov has been a tough one to meet in person this season and will face several teams next week in Nashville on the sidelines of the NHL draft, which takes place June 28-29.
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It was TSN journalist Bob McKenzie who revealed the whole thing on his Twitter account.
“I know several teams have scheduled interviews with him next week, ahead of the draft on Wednesday, June 28th. It’s obvious that they are very interested in getting to know him a little better. No elite candidate was seen less in their draft year or had less interactions with general managers, executives and head scouts than Michkov.”
The CH reveals nothing
Along with the Journal, a source close to the team preferred not to reveal details about the Habs’ plans on the matter, rather than revealing their cards just over a week before Round 1 on June 28.
That’s not exactly a surprise. Backstage games and teams hiding their intentions have always been part of the draft, especially if rumors are true that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is currently trying to get through.
It would be quite surprising if the Canadian, who currently sits fifth overall in Round 1, didn’t try to get to know this hope that many see slipping down to their rank in Round 1.
Especially since it was difficult to meet him this season. Last week, Sportsnet network’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned that several teams had tried to speak to him throughout the season to no avail, despite making an appointment with the team to speak with Michkov.
“What teams are asking right now is: does Michkov have a preference? Is there a team or teams he wants to go to and maneuver to make this happen?
Red flags
Recall that Michkov was absent from the last NHL Combine in Buffalo. The Habs’ general manager, Kent Hughes, present at that annual meeting, had raised certain warning signs about the Russian hope.
“With the players from Russia, there is the geopolitical aspect. There are also aspects of the contract. We have to do our homework. We must first evaluate him as a hockey player and compare him to the other great talents. We’ll do our homework. But there are several factors in the equation.
“Michkov currently has a three-year contract. But it’s not that re-signing isn’t allowed in Russia. There are other players to choose from who have signed contract extensions in Russia. […] Russia no longer has an agreement with the International Hockey Federation and you cannot break a contract, he continued. So you can wait a long time for a player,” he said.