New NHL Rumors Detail Matvei Michkov's Talks With Flyers Teammates Before Video of Heated Exchange

The Philadelphia Flyers held a meeting to try and build camaraderie between players shortly before forward Matvei Michkov and veteran defenseman Nick Seeler clashed in what appeared to be a heated mid-game exchange Monday evening, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday.

ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported the day after that incident Michkov "would likely want a new start elsewhere," although the Flyers have since said Michkov hasn't formally requested a trade.

"Over the last 24 hours, I heard some crazy stories about the relationship between Michkov and his teammates," Friedman said around the 9:30 mark of Thursday's 32 Thoughts: The Podcast.

Friedman continued, "One of the reasons everybody is disappointed by what happened in the last 24 to 48 hours is that there was a recent get-together, meal, whatever, between some of the players including Michkov to work on this. Like, a legit attempt. 'Let's hold hands, kumbaya, work together, be a team.'

"And then there was this explosion on the bench... I think they did something recently to all pull together, and then this happened."

ESPN's Emily Kaplan previously reported that "sources said there has been turmoil behind the scenes between Michkov and the Flyers."

The clash between Michkov and Seeler happened in the second period of a 3-1 Flyers victory in Vancouver. Inside the Coaches' Room's Steve Peters pointed out Seeler had earlier in the game tapped his stick for a pass on a play during which Michkov took a shot.

Seeler, who is in his sixth season with the Flyers, has yet to score this season.

Michkov is currently leading the Flyers with 10 goals in 21 games, but he has seen his ice time fluctuate under head coach Rick Tocchet to the point he was made a healthy scratch during last spring's playoff run.

He is also a pending restricted free agent, which could make him a trade target if he doesn't plan to re-sign in Philadelphia this offseason. General manager Danny Briere still told Sportsnet's Frank Seravalli after Weekes' report the Flyers have "never discussed" a potential trade for Michkov.

The Flyers' recent rebuild took a hit when Cutter Gauthier, the No. 5 pick of the 2022 draft, reportedly indicated he didn't want to play in Philadelphia before he was traded in 2024 the Anaheim Ducks.

Philadelphia could hope to avoid parting ways with another recent high draft selection by continuing work to improve the relationship between former No. 7 pick Michkov and his teammates.