Flyers HC John Tortorella doesn't mince his words about Matvei Michkov possibly playing center next season

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Dec 17, 2024 04:22 GMT

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Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella recently talked about the possibility of Matvei Michkov playing center.

With the team lacking a true No. 1 center and Michkov being their best playmaker, Tortorella was asked about the potential move. He said that he does not see Michkov transitioning to that position, emphasizing the need to find a center dedicated to playing alongside him.

"No," Tortella said on Monday, via NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "We need to find a center to play with him. Frosty is with him right now. It's been up and down. I'm not sure if that's the right marriage. But in my mind, no. He's kind of a rover as a forward anyway. He's not going up and down his wing and playing.

"He usually ends up most of the time on the left side, as far as leaving the zone and trying to find a stretch play. I think Frosty has been too inconsistent to say he's going to be his center. Still working with him. He'll play center Wednesday night with him again."

Tortorella also highlighted the importance of drafting centers and that prospects like Jett Luchanko could evolve into suitable ones for the team.

He added that while some may consider Michkov as a center option in the future, he does not envision that happening.

"Not me," Tortorella said. "Maybe another coach, but not me."

How Matvei Michkov has fared this season

Michkov has lived up to the expectations in his rookie season.

Drafted seventh overall by the Flyers in the 2023 NHL draft, he leads all rookies in points, recording 27 from 11 goals and 16 assists in 29 games.

Michkov is an early favorite to win the Calder Trophy. He is projected to finish his debut season with 71 points (29 goals and 42 assists).

The Philadelphia Flyers will travel to Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.

The Flyers are fourth in the Metro Division with a 14-13-4 record with 32 points after 31 games. The also played against the Red Wings on Thursday and secured a dominant 4-1 victory.