Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Michkov, Phantoms-Hershey Game 1, Snider Hockey, TIFH

I personally would lean towards not bringing Michkov over for next season. The odds of Michkov and Tortorella clashing are very high with Michkov being yo-yoed in and out of the lineup with fluctuating ice time.

It's not a secret that the strong-willed Michkov has clashed with Roman Rotenberg ...
- bmeltzer

Michkov refusing to kiss Rotenberg's ring and getting buried for it.

Will be fun to see how it works out with our own tyrant coach/co-GM.

Michkov refusing to kiss Rotenberg's ring and getting buried for it.

Will be fun to see it works out with our own tyrant coach/co-GM.
- Tomahawk

At least our own "tyrant coach" formerly played pro hockey (albeit at the low minor league level). SKA's tyrant CEO/deputy vice chairman/self-appointed head coach never played a game of pro hockey and never coached the game before appointing himself as the SKA head coach... and also national team head coach because he's on the KHL board of directors, too.

Torts isn't a billionaire. And he's not on the U.S. and UK sanctions list.

So, after years of RR, Tortorella would be a breeze to deal with by comparison.

Michkov like Cutter is a new era player. They’re both FAFO types.

At least our own "tyrant coach" formerly played pro hockey (albeit at the low minor league level). SKA's tyrant CEO/deputy vice chairman/self-appointed head coach never played a game of pro hockey and never coached the game before appointing himself as the SKA head coach... and also national team head coach because he's on the KHL board of directors, too.

Torts isn't a billionaire. And he's not on the U.S. and UK sanctions list.

So, after years of RR, Tortorella would be a breeze to deal with by comparison.
- bmeltzer

Yeah, definitely not the same level of challenge.

Russian coaching/training/conditions are just on a whole other level of harsh. I've heard a number of Russian players remark how cushy and relaxed pro hockey in NA is compared to what they had to go thru coming up in Russia.

Case in point Keenan thinking he's punishing Kovalev by keeping him on the ice for 7mins straight. Alex thought he was being rewarded and ended up scoring a goal lol.

I personally would lean towards not bringing Michkov over for next season. The odds of Michkov and Tortorella clashing are very high with Michkov being yo-yoed in and out of the lineup with fluctuating ice time.
- MJL

Change your record, I think it has a scratch in it, it keeps repeating itself.
Didn't know you can see the future.

Change your record, I think it has a scratch in it, it keeps repeating itself.
Didn't know you can see the future.
- WhiskeyMan

You're embarrassing yourself. Don't stop on my account.

Honestly, the 24-25 Flyers are likely to be a poopshow with Czar Torts the First still behind the bench and party apparatchik Rocky still running the pp. Michkov would be smart to wait until 25-26 to come to Philly.

Tortorella likes a player to "clash" with him. He'll probably love the kid.

So who's he play with?

Michkov would immediately become the teams best player. If he is here there is no chance he does not make the team. How Torts handles him is a different animal altogether. Personally I would hope Torts was long gone before Michkov joined the team, but if he is here sooner we can only hope that the lesser members of the triumvirate put their feet down and tell Torts what is what.

Kraken fans are disappointed Jon Cooper extended. Now Brind’Amour is on their wish list.

Michkov would immediately become the teams best player. If he is here there is no chance he does not make the team. How Torts handles him is a different animal altogether. Personally I would hope Torts was long gone before Michkov joined the team, but if he is here sooner we can only hope that the lesser members of the triumvirate put their feet down and tell Torts what is what.
- MBFlyerfan

If Torts is still here he will learn where his power ends.

Tortorella likes a player to "clash" with him. He'll probably love the kid.

So who's he play with?
- Dkos

RP and GH

You're embarrassing yourself. Don't stop on my account.
- MJL

adding value as usual

RP and GH
- hello it's me 2050

He has got to learn the 200 ft game

Don't want Michkov anywhere near Torts. That seems destined to be another sad chapter in the never ending soap opera that is the Philadelphia Flyers.

I guess getting MM out of Russia asap is a positive. But one could also view this push to get him over here as a potential sign of the organization's impatience with the rebuild process.

Optimist - getting MM each as early as next year is like getting the #2 pick in the draft with the 10/11th worst record
Pessimist - we all know how that turned out

If MM comes over for next season who long does it take for Torts to bench him?

If MM comes over for next season who long does it take for Torts to bench him?
- Flyfly

First game in Russia is my bet

I agree theirs no rush in bringing Michkov over sooner than later. Kid can't even legally drink a beer yet. They'll suck this coming season and probably the season after. Keep (hopefully) drafting well and Torts' contract will be up in a couple years.

First game in Russia is my bet
- corduroy

The rebuild is over! Mission Accomplished!

The rebuild is over! Mission Accomplished!
- StepfordSam

if MM is over this season no way they move the core guys....not that they were going to.

I agree that the team needs to be picking top 5 next year not having MM work with Torts. However, if he is able to come over, you have to do it. The first opportunity to get the kid out of Russia, you say ‘yes.’