Bill Meltzer: Reports: Kolosov Signs Flyers ELC, Fedotov Officially Signs with CSKA

wonder what pressures they are putting on him. to want to play in the NHL but then sign another contract to stay in russia. is better that this one is only two years i guess.

Bill,

Clearly this situation with Michkov is clearly not black & white. Some will continue to bang the drum that no question he will be a Flyer and others will say the opposite.

My question specifically for you, do you feel the Philadelphia media understands what you are saying? Reports coming out of Russian will change constantly the next 2-3 years because that's just how Russia handles things, they make it confusing so no one really knows for sure.

I feel like depending on how the Philadelphia media reports on this is going to dictate how much drama there is surrounding Michkov. Most fans tend to read what the media says and form their opinion based solely on that.

The sad truth is that none of us can say for sure what happens with Michkov since none of us know what the Russian geopolitical situation will be in 2026.

Odds are he’ll be in a Flyers uniform for the 26-27 season, but there is no guarantee.

Looking forward to the “he’s not coming over” posts for the next 3 years

TDA traded!

Making him the # 7 pick was always going to have a huge risk. It’s the only reason he was there at # 7. It’s a hell of a world we live in. You can bet that if Michkov continues to develop he will face unprecedented pressure to continue his career over there. It’s not like a North American sports league. His entire family can be looked after over there…nicer living arrangements, avoidance of military conscription, bribe $ ect…. it’s still the Wild West in business.
There is just so much at play here. The Russians devastated economy, the viability of KHL teams not fronted by Oligarchs with $, the stability of a war torn country.
It shouldn’t be a surprise in the least that Michkov may not come until he’s 24 or 25. At this point there is as Bill points out, no way of knowing. As all this unfolds I’m sure the NHL will monitor very closely to see if any other situations arise where by the KHL just ignores the contracts in place (essentially what they did here). If that’s the case it may take a defection one day of the player wants an NHL career. At that time he’ll have a life decision to make. Not an easy one.

TDA traded!
- WhiskeyMan

Source?

I feel like losing Ivan was more of a sacrifice so we can get Michkov here earlier than 3 years. Have to give Russia a "win" before we take the bigger prize.

Bill, you are the best writer in Flyers history. Thank you for all you do for the fans.

Bill Meltzer: Reports: Kolosov Signs Flyers ELC, Fedotov Officially Signs with CSKA
- bmeltzer

Ersson or Cal on the opening night roster. Who you got Bill.

You think Russia hates the Flyers because Rocky beat Drago...

You think Russia hates the Flyers because Rocky beat Drago...
- cdearth23

More to do with Ed Van imp and Bobby Clarke….besides the Russians were chanting Rocky’s name by the end of the fight.

In 2 years if Michkov gets the Kolosov ELC outlined by Bill is a "win-win" for all parties. KHL saves face because their contract was honored. Flyers get Michkov arrival locked in and 2 years of a low cap hit for in theory a "ready made" 1st line production. Michkov is only 2 years away from his second NHL contract.

Man Bill, hats off to you for laying it out concisely!!

The best writer a Flyers fan could ask for!

Thanks!!

the next 3 years will be people female doging about drafting michkov because they dont' think he wants to play here

the next 3 years will be people female doging about drafting michkov because they dont' think he wants to play here
- 2Real

Especially if Briere keeps answering questions about it like he did with Gauthier by saying, "umm we don't know why he isn't coming, we will be trying to get some answers for that."

I don't know how any Flyers fan can feel good about this entire situation with Russia and the NHL, or the world for that matter. I will say it again, it was a HUGE mistake by Briere to draft Michkov. If he is the star that everyone says he is and Putin pretty much runs the KHL, why on Earth would Russia ever let the kid out of the country? Furthermore, does anyone honestly think Fedotov wanted to sign another contract to play in the KHL instead of coming to play for the Flyers? This entire situation is a cluster-bomb and the Flyers in typical fashion can't seem to find themselves anywhere else but the middle of it. With so much talent on the board in this draft when the Flyers picked at #7 and#22, to come away with Michkov, who I don't believe will ever be allowed to leave Russia until he is like 30 years old, and Bonk who was projected to be a 2nd round pick at best is a complete disaster for this franchise and will set them back another 5 years at least!

the next 3 years will be people female doging about drafting michkov because they dont' think he wants to play here
- 2Real

It's not a matter of Michkov not wanting to play in the NHL, its whether he will be allowed to.

Especially if Briere keeps answering questions about it like he did with Gauthier by saying, "umm we don't know why he isn't coming, we will be trying to get some answers for that."



- MBFlyerfan

But what if Briere was just being honest, which I think he was? What if the Flyers didn't know and still don't know why Gauthier did not show up to development camp? Then wouldn't this be a real cause of concern? You see Tanner Laczynski at 26 years old working his tail off to make this roster at development camp but Cutter is not there any no one seems to know why??

But what if Briere was just being honest, which I think he was? What if the Flyers didn't know and still don't know why Gauthier did not show up to development camp? Then wouldn't this be a real cause of concern? You see Tanner Laczynski at 26 years old working his tail off to make this roster at development camp but Cutter is not there any no one seems to know why??
- jd250

Everybody knows why he didn't come. Except you apparently.

Man Bill, hats off to you for laying it out concisely!!

The best writer a Flyers fan could ask for!

Thanks!!
- Hokeeguy9

Yes, this post was excellent work Bill, thank you!!

Everybody knows why he didn't come. Except you apparently.
- MBFlyerfan

Ok, tell me then.

Ok, tell me then.
- jd250

1)He has to pay his own way. Get his own Hotel. Pay for his own food. (cant even eat the food provided at the rink) Pay for his own transportation to get around why he was here.
2)He just returned from Europe after playing in the World Championships.
3)Team USA World junior camp starts soon.
4)College starts back up in September with training camp for his college team.
5)He needed a break. His agent flat out said so.

Briere's answer made a huge deal out of nothing. It was a mistake on his part.

1)He has to pay his own way. Get his own Hotel. Pay for his own food. (cant even eat the food provided at the rink) Pay for his own transportation to get around why he was here.
2)He just returned from Europe after playing in the World Championships.
3)Team USA World junior camp starts soon.
4)College starts back up in September with training camp for his college team.
5)He needed a break. His agent flat out said so.

Briere's answer made a huge deal out of nothing. It was a mistake on his part.
- MBFlyerfan

Agree, don’t even care what Briere said, media and pundits will just twist it into a story