It's unclear whether Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov will stay with the organization. What’s not unclear is how unhappy he was on the Flyers’ bench Monday night, where he had a heated exchange with teammate and defenceman Nick Seeler. Whether that exchange holds any merit, one can only assume the 7th overall pick in the 2023 NHL draft probably isn’t happy with the Flyers’ start. With just five wins in their first 20 games, how can you blame him?
Here's a wide angle of the Matvei Michkov and Nick Seeler heated exchange. #Flyers pic.twitter.com/wlUPHiIa94
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) November 10, 2026
Typically, where there is smoke, there’s fire. But we can’t say for certain that Michkov wants out of the City of Brotherly Love. But if he is available, could he find a home in the world's Shawarma capital?
In so many ways, Michkov checks a lot of boxes for the Ottawa Senators. He’s an elite and young goal-scorer. His quick release and offense-first mentality would not only bolster our top-six, but it would also help our near-helpless power play. He leads the Flyers in points this year with 14 and has 128 points in 181 games. First-round talent like this doesn’t come around often, so if it does, general manager Steve Staios should at least try his shot.
Does Ottawa have the right pieces?
What could a possible trade package look like for Michkov? Well, it wouldn’t be a cheap price tag, that’s for sure.
Clearly, the Flyers would want a top-six forward who can replace even half of Michkov’s point production. The Senators don’t want to part with too many core players. Forward Ridly Greig has previously been linked to interest from the Flyers. He has 4 points in 14 games played, but what makes him special is what he brings to the team off the scoresheet. Ridley Greig leads the league in penalties drawn. He can get under the opponent’s skin just enough to make them cross-check or slash him without getting caught. It's remarkable how he operates!
The Senators also have a first-round draft pick with untapped potential who has been sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch lately. His name is Carter Yakemchuk. His NHL sample size is small. In just 18 games, he has two goals and three assists. What makes him unique is his upside and his rocket of a shot. Yakemchuk could become a legitimate top-four defenceman in the NHL, but he needs more experience to iron out his inexperience. He could be the answer to some of the Flyers’ defensive woes so far this season.
Another enticing piece the Flyers may be looking at is their solid prospect pool and draft capital. With two 2029 first-round picks and two 2027 second-round picks, the Senators may be willing to part with a draft pick if the right deal comes along. Their prospect pool includes Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, Logan Hensler, Jaxon Cover, and Kasper Kalttunen, all of whom could be intriguing options for the Flyers.
Does he fit into Ottawa's system?
Despite Michkov’s elite offensive instincts and how amazing he would be alongside Tim Stützle, the looming question is whether or not he would truly fit into Travis Green’s system. Much of the Senators’ success stems from their defensive system, and Michkov’s style of play doesn’t match that. Surely he can adapt to the system, but would he want to?
Michkov to the Senators remains nothing but a pipe dream, but as things in Philly continue to go sour, who knows what could happen.
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