By now, most of the hockey world is aware of Rick Tocchet’s comments regarding Matvei Michkov. Over the weekend, Tocchet appeared on PHLY and discussed Michkov arriving at camp out of shape and the reasoning behind his limited ice time. Michkov logged just over 10 minutes on Saturday, which sparked concern among fans eager to see the highly touted rookie on the ice rather than on the bench.
Prior to last night’s game, Flyers general manager Danny Brière addressed the situation, touching on Michkov, the rebuild, and his view of Tocchet. Brière’s most notable comment was clear and reassuring: “Matvei (Michkov) is going to be here for a long time. He's going to be a good player here for the Flyers, and what he's going through right now is all part of the process.”
With the GM fully backing Michkov, there should be little concern about where the young forward stands within the organization.
Brière also shut down any speculation about tension between Michkov and Tocchet, stating, “There’s no problem with the relationship there.” His comments were necessary after national media ran with Tocchet’s remarks and amplified the situation beyond reality. Fans were also vocal on social media, with some even calling for Tocchet’s firing and attempting to start “Fire Tocchet” chants.
While the frustration is understandable — especially with the Flyers once again on the outside of the playoff picture — the likelihood of a first-year head coach being fired is slim. In an era where social media fuels rumors across the league, it’s refreshing to see a GM directly address concerns instead of remaining silent. Although Tocchet’s comments may not have been delivered in the best way, Brière’s accountability and support speak volumes about how Flyers management truly views Matvei Michkov.
