Information emerges about the real reason why the CH ignored Matvei Michkov

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Elias Edmonson
July 5, 2023 (4:03 PM)

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The Montreal Canadiens' 2023 draft has generated a lot of discussion, due to the selection of David Reinbacher at the 5th overall pick, which also means that the club passed up a potential generational talent in Matvei Michkov.

The Russian phenomenon finally landed in Philadelphia two picks later, with the 7th selection of the Flyers.

While many Tricolore fans have struggled to accept that the CH let Michkov slip by, major information has surfaced that could greatly explain why the organization decided to go with the Austrian defenseman.

On one hand, after hearing that the Michkov camp had threatened the Arizona Coyotes that he would not play for them if he was their 6th overall pick, it is very plausible that he was also not enthralled with the idea of playing in Montreal.

However, it's a very specific element that tipped the scales not to choose him in Montreal. As reported by the site Danslescoulisses, the reason explaining why the CH passed on Michkov was revealed by a source. It was the young man's behavior that dissuaded them from drafting him.

"Based on solid information we learned at the heart of the matter, it is indeed due to his deplorable attitude that the young man is now a prospect for the Flyers (the club of Daniel Brière, strongly considered for the GM position of the Canadiens) and not of the Montreal Canadiens." - Charles-Alexis Brisebois

Wow! The young man would therefore really have a reputation for being difficult within a team. It's clear that with the culture that the management wants to build with the Canadiens, Michkov's presence would have scared the leaders, thinking he could spoil the locker room atmosphere.

Moreover, Mathias Brunet from La Presse also wrote an important article on this subject which explains quite well the fear that prevailed within the Canadiens' management.

"Montreal is ready to live with the idea of seeing the young Michkov have great offensive seasons in the NHL, upon his arrival in North America, in 2026 or later, with the Philadelphia Flyers. But evidently, they did not believe that the boy would turn into a team player, respectful of authority and collective instructions, open to teachings." - Mathias Brunet

The CH thus made a culture choice by drafting a player at the 5th pick with a profile that fits precisely into what Kent Hughes wants to build in his organization, rather than betting on pure talent, while potentially harming the long-term culture.

Credit: DansLesCoulisses & HabsetLNH.com