The Athletic Hockey Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Is it time to worry about Matvei Michkov?
Date: October 23, 2025
Hosts: Haley Salvian, Sean Gentile (with guest Kevin Kurz)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Athletic Hockey Show dives deep into early NHL season storylines, focusing most notably on the Philadelphia Flyers’ start, the progress (and anxieties) around sophomore Matvei Michkov, and broader league headlines, including the Devils' hot streak and standout rookies. Featuring beat writer Kevin Kurz from Philadelphia, the episode examines whether the Flyers' start is reason for optimism, what Michkov’s struggles really mean, and what to expect as the NHL campaign takes shape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Calgary Flames’ Struggles & Roster Decisions

[05:02–07:14]

• The hosts discuss Calgary's rough start: 1 win in 8 games, just ahead of the winless Sharks.
• Haley advocates: “You get a bag for Nazem Kadri, trade him, lean into the skid.” (05:06)
• Sean playfully dreams up a Kadri trade to Montreal for playoff drama.
• Both suggest the Flames should focus on future assets and not try to salvage this season.

2. Devils Defy Doubts: Early Season Streak

[07:14–14:44]

• New Jersey extends its win streak to six, a rare feat for a team once notorious for failing to string together wins.
• Sean credits depth, with players like Dawson Mercer and Luke Hughes stepping up.
• Goaltending depth is highlighted, with praise for Jake Allen and Nico Daws filling in for the injured Markstrom.
  • “All the questions we had about them… have been answered kind of in a positive way.” – Sean (08:06)
• Discussion of coach Sheldon Keefe setting new standards, as referenced from GM Tom Fitzgerald’s recent interview.
  • “This is just kind of the next level for the New Jersey Devils and they have a coach who’s kind of helping them get there too.” – Haley (13:21)
• Talk of potentially trading Dougie Hamilton is met with skepticism. “You can have more than one good guy.” – Sean (15:48)

3. The Ongoing Leafs Discourse

[18:10–19:11]

• Hosts lightly roast the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lackluster play and fan expectations.
• Sean, exasperated: “If this could be a 31 team show, I’d sign up for it.” (19:07)

Deep Dive: Philadelphia Flyers & Matvei Michkov

Flyers’ Start: Exceeding Modest Expectations

[21:42–26:20]

• Flyers open 3-2-1 after tough opposition.
• Kevin Kurz: “The start has been a little bit better than I expected, especially when you consider the first five teams they played.” (24:24)
• Positive surprises include the Cates-Forster-Brink line and Sean Couturier’s steady return.
• Trevor Zegras and Matvei Michkov have yet to truly click; special teams improving but still sparse.

Is It Time to Worry About Matvei Michkov?

[26:20–34:42]

• Early scuttlebutt about Michkov’s “conditioning,” with uneven ice time and minimal late-game usage until a breakthrough vs. Seattle.
• Kevin: “Seattle was his best game by far...the one thing that Talkett has reduced his ice time late in a lot of the earlier games...and I don’t think anyone watching him would say that was the wrong decision—Michkov just wasn’t very good.” (26:58)
• Issues partly attributed to off-season ankle injury and late return from Russia, with hints about sub-optimal diet/recovery.
  • “He’s got to take care of himself off the ice a little bit better. That’s in terms of recovery...he’s mentioned the word eating, you know, at least three or four times.” – Kevin (27:53)
• Long-term concern remains low: Michkov’s work ethic and desire to get better are repeatedly praised (“his desire to get better is something that no one's ever questioned”). (28:33)
• Sean credits new coach Rick Tocchet for balancing honest critique without creating a media firestorm: “Talkett...has threaded the needle pretty well in terms of levying legit criticism in Mitchkov, being honest about what he's struggled with...but also not throwing gasoline on a potential fire.” (29:19)
• Comparison to Erik Karlsson’s habit of coming into camp out of shape, but always playing into form.
  • “I fully expect Michkov...at some point he’s going to get it together.” – Kevin (32:44)
• A reminder from Haley: not every young player is a “hockey robot” and some will learn professionalism over time.
  • “They’re also just a kid—they’re figuring out how to be a professional athlete in real time.” (33:06)
• Michkov has had to mature quickly after personal/family tragedy and the pressures of immigration.

Notable Quote

“He’s still the most important individual when it comes to this rebuild… he’s got to be, if not a superstar, at least like a 40-goal all-star level player if this is going to work.”
– Kevin Kurz, (28:08)

Flyers: Rick Tocchet’s Impact, Defensive Structure & Goaltending

[34:42–41:55]

• Defense:
  • Rick Tocchet brings a defensive focus, leaning heavily on Travis Sanheim (the “team MVP to this point”).
  • Cam York looks rejuvenated.
  • Defensive structure has improved: “Any coach will tell you, right, they'd rather have the defensive structure in place and wait for the offense to come around than vice versa.” – Kevin (36:39)
• Goaltending:
  • Dan Vladar off to a hot start (.929 SV%), claiming more starts.
  • Even average goaltending would have massively improved last year’s results.
    • “If they get a decent stretch from him for any amount of time, like, things are going to look a lot different for them.” – Sean (39:46)
  • Sam Ersson remains in the mix, with the expectation of healthy competition facilitating growth.
• Owen Tippett Watch:
  • Five goals in six games after disappointing previous season.
  • Chemistry questions remain; Tippett is driven to prove himself, and his contract could become a bargain if he hits 30-goal status.

Timely NHL Headlines (Around the League)

Islanders’ Drastic Goalie Coach Change & Sorokin’s Struggles

[46:15–49:33]

• Islanders fire goalie coach to help Ilya Sorokin rebound from a lackluster start (.873 SV%).
• Sean notes: “People were willing to…look at that as an explanation for the mediocre overall numbers that we saw from Sorokin last season. But clearly, man, Pierre Greco was on a short leash. Life as a goalie coach under Patrick Roy seems like it might be difficult.” (47:22)
• Urgency underscores Sorokin’s importance as “franchise player.”

Rookie Sensation: Matthew Schaefer’s Dynamic Debut

[49:33–54:26]

• Isles’ #1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer tearing it up: leads rookies with 7 points (2G, 5A); his skating is already elite.
  • “That’s just game changing—break the game wide open kind of speed…” – Haley (53:40)
• Bo Horvat: “He is one of our best, if not our best player right now.” (54:26)

Avalanche: Dynamic Top Line & Nagging Question About Nichushkin Replacement

[54:26–56:52]

• Martin Necas seamlessly replaces Mikko Rantanen alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
  • “There is no better place to be if you’re a forward of his type than riding shotgun with, with, with, Nathan McKinnon during a contract year.” – Sean (55:48)
• Colorado’s dominant line outscoring opponents 9 to 1 in 5v5 minutes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Catwalk at Calgary’s Arena:
  • “You do not have to walk across the catwalk. People do it for fun...No print media ever has to walk across the catwalk. They do it for the photo op. And it’s fake news.” – Haley Salvian (03:32)
• On Leafs–Fans and Media:
  • “If this could be a 31 team show, I’d sign up for it.” – Sean (19:07)
• On Michkov’s Work Ethic:
  • “His desire to get better is something that no one's ever questioned.” – Kevin (28:33)
• On Goaltending’s Importance:
  • “If they get a decent stretch from him...things are going to look a lot different for them.” – Sean (39:46)
• On Rookie Schaefer’s Impact:
  • “He is one of our best, if not our best player right now.” – Bo Horvat (54:26)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Devils’ win streak & early observations: 07:14–14:44
• Flyers season start & Michkov check-in: 21:42–34:42
• Deeper dive: Michkov’s adjustment/conditioning: 26:20–34:42
• Flyers defensive progress & goaltending: 34:42–41:55
• Owen Tippett’s offensive breakout: 41:55–44:15
• Islanders: Sorokin/goalie coach change: 46:15–49:33
• Matthew Schaefer’s rookie dominance: 49:33–54:26
• Avalanche’s top-line chemistry: 54:26–56:52

Tone & Takeaways

Staying true to the show’s blend of dry wit, hockey nerdery, and sharp insight, the hosts paint a nuanced portrait of early-season narratives: wary optimism around the Flyers, measured patience with Matvei Michkov, and excitement over emergent stars. They urge listener perspective—young players need time, not panic; some early contenders may actually be for real; and sometimes, even in hockey’s most script-ridden markets, things unfold in predictable but fascinating ways.

For Flyers fans:
Michkov’s slow start is no reason for existential worry. The organization is supportive, coaching is measured, and all signs point to eventual adjustment and growth.

For league-watchers:
Stay tuned to streaking teams (Devils, Avalanche), surprise rookies (Schaefer), and the ever-entertaining soap opera that is the Leafs’ place in the universe. And yes, goaltending saves, or sinks, entire seasons.

End of summary.