Flyers Coach Rick Tocchet and GM Danny Briere Deny Matvei Michkov Trade Rumors

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said Wednesday that winger Matvei Michkov has not requested a trade from the organization.

The denial followed a report published Tuesday suggesting the 21-year-old forward was seeking a fresh start elsewhere.

Tocchet calls report untrue

Speaking to reporters at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, ahead of the Flyers’ game against the Oilers, Tocchet dismissed the speculation as baseless. “There’s nothing to talk about because it’s not true,” Tocchet said. He added that it is difficult to address claims when they originate from unverified reports.

The sentiment was echoed by Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, who confirmed he had spoken with both Michkov and his agent, Paul Theofanous. Briere said that both parties explicitly denied the substance of the report.

“When there’s a report like this that says this about a player that we expect to be here for a long, long time and be part of the solution for the long term, I think it’s important to step in front of it,” Briere said.

Michkov maintains focus on games

Matvei Michkov, who leads the Flyers with 10 goals and 14 points this season, addressed the rumors briefly when asked if he was happy in Philadelphia. “Yeah, of course,” he told reporters. The winger said he does not follow the news and is keeping his concentration on the team’s upcoming schedule.

The report of a potential trade request gained traction shortly after a heated bench interaction between Michkov and veteran defenseman Nick Seeler during Monday’s 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks.

Seeler downplayed the incident, characterizing it as a byproduct of a competitive, high-stakes environment. “It really wasn’t a big deal at all until the media got ahold of it,” Seeler told reporters. “He’s a competitive guy, he brings a lot of passion.”

Flyers struggle early in season despite long-term core commitment

The Flyers have struggled early in the season, posting a 5-10-5 record as the NHL schedule nears the quarter mark. This follows a surprise playoff run last season that saw the team reach the second round. Briere acknowledged the frustration surrounding the team’s current standing, noting that “nobody’s happy with the way the season has gone,” but emphasized the organization’s long-term commitment to its younger core.

The Flyers continue their road trip with a game against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, with puck drop scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.