Matvei Michkov Is a Slide Candidate for the Rangers in the 2023 NHL Draft

If you pay any attention to prospects, you’ll know the name, Connor Bedard. He’s the best prospect we’ve seen since 2015 in the McDavid sweepstakes. When you have that kind of talent, the second projected overall pick is a 1st overall pick in many other years. In 2015, that was Jack Eichel. This year, some will argue it’s Adam Fantilli, but I’d make the argument that it’s actually young Russian winger Matvei Michkov.

Michkov is this rare combination of creativity, and intelligence, and still possesses one of the best shots in the draft class. This is a player that could dominate the NHL for the next 15 years. I don’t think it’s out of the question to compare what Michkov is as a prospect right now to what Alexis Lafreniere was viewed as when the Rangers were able to select the Quebecois winger 1st overall in 2020.

Matvei Michkov had a strong season in the KHL this year. At 17 years old, this kid was playing in one of the best leagues in the world, and being a genuine contributor. Granted, he was not playing on the best of teams as SKA St Petersberg loaned the promising youngster out to Sochi for the season, but the returns in Sochi were still strong as Michkov recorded 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points in 27 games.

So, why is this player a major slide candidate? Well… the answer has nothing to do with Michkov truthfully. Other prospects like Leo Carlsson and Adam Fantilli had sensational draft years too and are now right in the conversation with the Russian winger, but the biggest factor is purely Michkov’s nationality. He’s a KHL player and his already open commitment to stay in Russia could put teams off.

However, there is a more dark and horrifying reason and that is because teams don’t want to have an Ivan Fedotov situation of their own. If you don’t know this dark tale, Fedotov was supposed to come to North America to join the Flyers but was arrested on suspicion of trying to avoid military service. If you wish to read up on this appalling story, it is not for the faint of heart. It and the ongoing sanctions against Russia have put teams off of Russian prospects.

For Matvei Michkov himself, there is a bright future in the NHL. But his situation feels as if the Ducks, Blue Jackets, and Sharks pass on his services at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th overall, he could fall a long way. Montreal at 5 may take him, but again, it’s not certain. Philadelphia themselves at 7 have extra reason to stay away. He’s a primed candidate for the drop on the board, and if he does fall, don’t be surprised if someone, including Chris Drury, trades up for him.