Does Flyers coach Rick Tocchet regret calling out Matvei Michkov last season?

The relationship between Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet and Matvei Michkov was a major talking point throughout the 2025-26 NHL campaign.

Although the Flyers returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020, Michkov endured an up-and-down sophomore season that included multiple public callouts from Tocchet. But with 2026-27 fast approaching, the bench boss admitted there is one thing he would have done differently.

“I think it’s a learning lesson for both of us. I think the relationship has been overblown, and I think he’s talked about it,” Tocchet told The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz. “In saying that, in February, I was frustrated. I should have probably kept the remarks about him being out of shape. I had already said it four times, I don’t think I needed to say it a fifth time. As any coach, you learn a lesson. So, I would take that back.”

Michkov’s conditioning became a significant storyline in Philadelphia, especially after Tocchet publicly criticized the Russian’s fitness level in February.

Still, Tocchet pushed back on the idea that his relationship with Michkov had deteriorated, saying the 21-year-old learned a lot throughout a challenging sophomore season.

“I don’t want to speak for him, but I think he really learned a lot,” Tocchet added. “I think he enjoyed talking to the coaches. And I think that he’s learned a lot from last year. Saying that, he still played some really good games for us. It’s not like he was horrible.”

After exploding for 63 points in 80 games as a rookie in 2024-25, Michkov took a step back offensively. He finished with 20 goals and 51 points in 81 contests while seeing his average ice time dip from 16:41 to 14:50.

His struggles continued into the postseason, where he managed just one assist in eight games and was scratched twice during Philadelphia’s run to the second round — which ended in a sweep at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.

Despite the difficult finish, Tocchet still wants Michkov to play creatively in 2026-27, including attacking defenders one-on-one and making plays off the rush. At the same time, the coach stressed that there will continue to be “non-negotiables” within Philadelphia’s structure.

“He has high expectations for himself. I really want to help him right from the gate, and really get him in a situation to be comfortable on the ice. I want him to be creative.”

After a summer in which Michkov put significant work into his conditioning, Tocchet appears ready to turn the page. And Philly will look to take the next step following a hugely encouraging 2025-26 season.

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