The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most exciting young teams this season. The Blackhawks have two franchise centers in Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. However, the team lacks a young, high-end scorer who could ride shotgun with Bedard.
Given Bedard’s speed and skills, the young winger was a former seventh-overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. After landing in North America, he’s struggled somewhat. But there’s no denying the top-tier talent this Russian phenom possesses.
Specifically, the up-and-coming Russian player is Philadelphia Flyers winger Matvei Michkov. Michkov has gotten off to somewhat of a rough start this season. While he’s notched three goals and eight points in 15 games this season, he’s been in Rick Tocchet’s doghouse at times.
As a result, there has been talk about the Flyers moving Michkov, as his skill set hasn’t translated to immediate success in Philadelphia. That’s why joining Bedard in Chicago would make him an ideal fit in the Blackhawks’ lineup.
Here’s what this trade could look like:
Blackhawks get:
Matvei Michkov, F
2027 third-round pick
Flyers get:
Kevin Korchinski, D
2026 second-round pick
The Blackhawks get a dynamic, speedy winger who could easily keep up with Bedard. Michkov’s penchant for high-octane play fits perfectly with the Blackhawks’ growing identity as an offensive force.
Meanwhile, the Blackhawks give up Korchinski, a former seventh-overall pick himself. The Flyers lack a potential top-pairing defensive prospect. Korchinski would give the Flyers just that. Moreover, Korchinski’s path is somewhat murky at the moment with the Blackhawks. Chicago has several young blueliners competing for ice time. So, moving to Philadelphia would give Korchinski a solid opportunity to make the NHL sooner rather than later.
Blackhawks Could Use a True Top-Line Winger
At the moment, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill has deployed veterans Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky on Bedard’s wings. So far, both veterans have done well. They’ve scored goals while Bedard has lept to the top of the NHL scoring race.
But looking three or four years down the road, the Blackhawks will need more scoring wingers in their lineup. While 2025 first-round Anton Frondell figures to help in that area, the Blackhawks could use even more scoring if they want to be serious contenders.
That’s why adding a talented player like Michkov gives the Blackhawks another potent weapon to deploy with one of the NHL’s most exciting rising stars.
Michkov Hasn’t Been the Best Fit in Philadelphia
Unfortunately for the 20-year-old Russian, he hasn’t really fit in Philadelphia. Michkov has played under two old-school coaches in John Tortorella and Rick Tocchet. Their grinding styles of play haven’t been the most conducive to Michkov’s skill set.
Consequently, Michkov has had trouble adjusting to the slower-paced, dump-and-chase type of game that Tortorella and Tocchet prefer to play. While playing with Trevor Zegras has been a good idea this season, it hasn’t been as explosive as some observers believed the combo would be.
That’s why pairing Michkov with a true number-one center would give the Russian phenom the chance to truly flex his muscles. It’s an exciting idea that the Blackhawks should explore if given the opportunity.
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