Report: Michkov prefers trade from Flyers, hasn't formally requested it

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 01: Matvei Michkov #39 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates with a puck during warm-ups prior to his game against the Utah Mammoth at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 1, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Len Redkoles / National Hockey League / Getty

Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov would prefer to be traded, league sources told ESPN's Kevin Weekes.

However, Michkov hasn't formally requested a trade, and the report surprised the Flyers' front office, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan.

Weekes said turmoil within the organization is part of why Michkov wants a fresh start. The 21-year-old appeared to get into a heated exchange with teammate Nick Seeler during Monday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.

There appeared to be a heated moment on the Flyers bench involving Matvei Michkov. https://t.co/fXNF1IdYYY
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 10, 2026

Michkov has a team-leading 10 goals in 20 appearances this season but is averaging only 15:54 per game.

The Flyers selected Michkov with the No. 7 pick in the 2023 draft. He'll be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Michkov finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting in 2024-25, tallying 63 points in 80 games as a rookie. Head coach Rick Tocchet criticized Michkov's fitness ahead of the forward's sophomore campaign last year, though he said in September that he regretted the comments.