Flyers GM Daniel Brière shares how he hilariously introduced Matvei Michkov to his new $7,000,000 worth teammate

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 24, 2024 21:42 GMT

Philadelphia Flyers GM Daniel Briere recently spoke about how he introduced Matvei Michkov to the club’s enforcer, Nicolas Deslauriers. With Matvei Michkov expected to join the Flyers this fall, Briere has taken it upon himself to help Michkov ease into North America.

But the way Briere introduced Michkov to Deslauriers is absolutely hilarious. Here’s what Briere said, according to Sportsnet:

“We showed him a fight with Nic (Deslauriers) and the Rangers and told him that’s your new best friend.”

Indeed, Matvei Michkov could not have a better best friend than Deslauriers. Having Deslauriers covering his back is just another way the Flyers are making Matvei Michkov’s transition to North America easier.

Deslauriers, who signed a 4- year, $7,000,000 contract with the Flyers in 2022, racked up 89 penalty minutes in 60 games last season. He totaled 136 PIM in 80 games the year before. Meanwhile, Michkov, the Flyers’ seventh-overall pick in last year’s draft, is set to leave his native Russia to join the Flyers.

The good news is that having Deslauriers on the team means Michkov can focus on learning the NHL game without the pressures of having to drop the gloves.

Flyers fans hope Michkov will help put the Flyers over the top and into the postseason this upcoming campaign.

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Flyers excited about Matvei Michkov learning under Torts

In an article posted on Wednesday, Sportsnet discussed the parallels that Briere sees between him and Matvei Michkov. Briere, a former NHLer, arrived in the NHL at 19 without speaking English. As such, Briere understands how difficult the language barrier can be.

But this time, Briere feels more comfortable knowing that Michkov will have a coach like John Tortorella to help him navigate the NHL learning curve.

Here’s what Briere told the media, as reported by Sportsnet:

“I’m not worried about that, especially with him being here two months early. He’s going to feel more and more comfortable and with [coach John Tortorella], sometimes words are not necessarily have to be spoken. ... I think by the time training camp starts and the regular season starts, he’ll feel comfortable and it won’t be an issue.”

Tortorella’s reputation for being a great coach is undeniable. He’s helped countless young players hone their skills as they become bona fide NHLers.

With Briere and Tortorella supporting Michkov, the young Russian winger should be on a path to success in the NHL. While Michkov is not expected to be an impact player right away, he could play a meaningful role for the Flyers at some point this upcoming season.