New York Rangers rival gets a warm welcome in the NHL with massive hit into the boards

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Joshua Deeds
October 18, 2024 (6:51 PM)

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The 19-year-old Flyers sensation Matvei Michkov has captivated the hearts and minds of the NHL, since his arrival from Russia, and the KHL.

The former First-Round Draft pick in 2023 has found himself on the Philadelphia Flyers' regular lineup bypassing his brethren like Alexei Kolosov and shown brilliance in the NHL, of which scouting reports were glowing about him.

Fast forward to his first three games in the NHL, he'd score an assist against the Flames, and then score his first goal on the Edmonton Oilers. He'd terrorized the entire province of Alberta before he left.

While the rookie is fast to find his footing in the NHL, veteran players are starting to take note of the skillset Michkov has.

This has put a target on the young Russian forward's back already, as we saw when the Flyers took on the Kraken Thursday night.

Here you see Matvei Michkov's "welcome to the NHL" moment by former Stanley Cup Champ, Brandon Montour, now a Kraken defenseman. The "play" sent him into the boards which could have resulted in a serious injury.

Fortunately, he wasn't harmed seriously but walked away ok.

Michkov should continue to expect teams to take cheap shots against him, and it's criminal that the Flyers won't make sure he's protected. Where was Nic Deslauriers's retaliation for Montour's carelessness?

With the New York Rangers, there's at least someone who will stick up for his teammates, whether it's Adam Edstrom or Matt Rempe.

It's a really terrible way to begin your professional career in the NHL.

Michkov needs his own Doug Glatt apparently.