In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Matvei Michkov has been playing extremely well in a post-John Tortorella era with the Philadelphia Flyers, was he being held back? Elsewhere, Leon Draisaitl became just the second active four-time 50-goal scorer, joining Alex Ovechkin on the list. Finally, Rick Tocchet is on an expiring deal with the Vancouver Canucks, will he sign an extension, or leave the Canucks for another job?
Michkov’s Incredible Play Since Tortorella’s Firing
Tortorella has never been known as a strong developmental coach. He does a ton of great things with established teams, but when the Flyers hired him to get them through a rebuild, it was puzzling to many. With lots of young players, Michkov is the big name. He is the one that the forward group is going to be built around, so a good relationship with the coach is necessary.
Playing for a coach like Tortorella is important for a player’s development. While he is playing very well in the two games since the coach’s departure, there were some ups and downs during their time together. Tortorella has praised Michkov on lots of things, but also benched or scratched him on multiple occasions. Playing for a tough coach like that teaches you plenty of lessons, and will be better for Michkov in the long run.
In the two games the Flyers have played since the firing, Michkov has four goals, five points, and 11 shots, and has been playing well away from the puck. Two games aren’t enough to tell a full story of what he can do away from Tortorella, but things are trending in a very good direction for him.
General manager Danny Briere commented on the relationship between Michkov and Tortorella, mentioning “it was a tremendous experience for Michkov to learn under Tortorella… Not everybody is able to take the hard coaching John Tortorella put on Michkov. I have been amazed at how he responded to it”.
Taking lessons away from every opportunity is important, and it seems as if Michkov has done so.
Draisaitl Joins Ovechkin With Fourth 50-Goal Season
Over the past few seasons, we have seen a huge surge in goal-scoring. Players hitting 60 goals, even pushing for 70, has been a near impossible feat for a decade. Draisaitl is at the forefront of the surge and just scored his 50th goal of the season, which is the fourth time he has hit it.
With prolific goal-scorers all around the league, whether it be Auston Matthews, Steven Stamkos, David Pastrnak, or plenty of others, to be just the second active player to his 50 goals four times is special. Consistency is the biggest factor with Draisaitl. He has now scored 40 or more goals in each of the last seven seasons, outside of the shortened season, in which he still posted 31 in 56 games, which is a 45-goal pace. He is without a doubt one of the best scorers in the game.
Tocchet’s Future With Canucks Still Uncertain
After winning the Jack Adams Award last season, and the Canucks having a plethora of talent, there were high hopes for Tocchet and his team this season. With plenty of drama surrounding Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and even Quinn Hughes’ name being thrown in there, it was a tough season. That can be forgiven with wins though, right?
Related: 5 Flyers Head Coaching Candidates to Replace John Tortorella
Well, the Canucks are struggling to find wins, too. With nine games left in the season, the Canucks sit six points out of a playoff spot. According to MoneyPuck, the Canucks have just a 15.5 percent chance of making the playoffs. It is a steep hill to climb, and with Tocchet’s contract up at the end of the season, there is a lot of uncertainty about his future.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic spoke with Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin and here are the comments from him (from What are the NHL’s next potential coaching hot seats? Rumblings, The Athletic, March 29, 2025)
“Rick Tocchet has done an impressive job under the circumstances here (this season). He’s well-liked by the players. He’s a great communicator and also (has the) ability to hold guys accountable. We have a club option (on Tocchet’s contract).
“I sure hope that he’s going to be part of this organization moving forward. That’s a conversation that I hope we’ll get to the finish line here sooner rather than later.”
Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic
Allvin and the Canucks have clearly taken their stance on his future. They want him back. After a season like this one, it could make sense for him to want to move on, but on the other hand, he might feel as if he still has something to prove with the team.
Tocchet told Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre that he isn’t worrying about a contract until the season and playoffs are over if they make it. LeBrun says that he could see both situations play out, whether he is staying or leaving. A natural fit for Tocchet would be the Flyers, given his 11 years there as a player and a similar alignment to their identity. LeBrun also says many other teams would look to bring him in if he becomes available.
