Michkov is being released by his KHL club, a step toward him joining the Flyers, AP source says Matvei Michkov is being released by his club in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, marking the first step toward him joining the NHL next season, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because neither the Flyers nor SKA Saint Petersburg had announced the transaction. Michkov’s early arrival in North America would be a significant boost for Philadelphia, which selected the slick, skilled, playmaking forward in the 2023 draft, knowing he had three years left on his KHL contract. There had been growing speculation in recent weeks about efforts being made behind the scenes to bring Michkov over well before 2026. The Flyers recently dealt with a similar situation involving goaltender Ivan Fedotov, who was detained after signing his NHL contract in 2022 and returned to the KHL before rejoining the Flyers in March. Michkov’s situation is much simpler, but the 19-year-old has the potential to help change the fortunes of a franchise that has not won the Stanley Cup since going back-to-back in 1974 and 1975. Philadelphia is just now emerging from a rebuild, having missed the playoffs each of the past four seasons and beginning to transition into a contender. ___ AP NHL: