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Matvei Michkov, the highly-touted Russian prospect, has informed NHL teams that he intends to stay in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for the 2023-24 season, despite being eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. This decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Michkov's draft stock and the teams that are interested in selecting him.
Michkov, who is just 18 years old, is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the world. He has already made a name for himself in the KHL, where he has been playing for HC Sochi. Michkov has been dominant in the Russian junior leagues, and he recently made his debut with the Russian national team, where he scored two goals in his first game.
Matvei Michkov says he will be staying in the KHL for the 2023-24 season, even if drafted.
Many NHL teams had high hopes of selecting Matvei Michkov in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. However, with his decision to stay in the KHL for another season, there is now uncertainty about when and where he will be drafted.
"It is my dream to play in the NHL one day," Michkov told NHL.com through an interpreter. "But for now, I will continue to work on my game and develop as a player at home."
One of the main concerns for NHL teams is the lack of exposure they will have to Matvei Michkov during the 2023-24 season. NHL teams will be unable to monitor his progress, and Michkov will not have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the top junior leagues, such as the Canadian Hockey League or the United States Hockey League.
This lack of exposure could cause Michkov's draft stock to fall, and he may not be selected as high as he would have been if he had played in North America.
"I would feel comfortable taking Michkov at No. 3 in the draft," one anonymous scouting director from a team in the Western Conference told NHL.com.
Another concern for NHL teams is the risk of Matvei Michkov signing a long-term contract with his KHL team. Michkov is already under contract with HC Sochi, and if he were to sign a long-term deal, it would delay his NHL debut even further. This would be a significant blow to NHL teams that were hoping to draft Michkov and bring him into their organization right away.
"I consider myself an offensive player, a playmaker with a good scoring touch," Michkov said. "I don't focus too much on comparing or contrasting styles, but Bedard is a great player who I've enjoyed competing against."
Despite these concerns, there are still NHL teams that are willing to take a chance on Matvei Michkov in the draft. His talent and potential are simply too great to ignore, and teams will be closely monitoring his progress in the KHL next season.
Matvei Michkov's decision to stay in the KHL may lower his draft stock, but it will also make him a more appealing prospect in the long run. If he continues to develop and improve in the KHL, he could be an even bigger force when he makes his NHL debut.
