Ex-Canucks coach Tocchet already catching heat in Philadelphia for treatment of young forward
The Vancouver Canucks newest head coach may be underplaying a star forward, but at least he’s not the only one.
Ex-Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is already drawing some criticism with the Philadelphia Flyers for his treatment of star forward Matvei Michkov.
The seventh-overall pick from 2023 led the Flyers with 26 goals last season and posted 63 points as a rookie. His sophomore season has gotten off to a slow start, as he has just one goal and one assist in six games.
So far this season, Michkov is eighth among Flyers forwards in terms of ice time at even-strength.
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Not only that, but he’s been benched in the third period multiple times. And, for both of the Flyers’ overtime games, Michkov hasn’t played a single shift.
Tocchet’s usage of Michkov has gone against what the Flyers’ head coach expressed before the season started.
āYou want to get a guy like [Matvei Michkov] the puck a lot,” Tocchet said. When he gets the puck down below, heās got that ability to find people. Heās thinking two steps ahead.”
Wouldn’t overtime be a good spot to get a guy like Michkov the puck a lot?
“I know he’s the lightning rod for everybody around here,” Tocchet said after practice earlier this week. “He’s got to relax. He’s got to get himself into shape. He’s got to be in positions… You can’t just leave the zone.”
Tocchet alluded to the fact that Michkov came to camp out of shape due to an ankle injury, a narrative that has been questioned by some in Flyers media.
I just find it interesting that there wasnāt much āMatvei Michkovās out of shapeā buzz when he had four points in four preseason games and played over 19 and a half minutes per game.
Rick Tocchet even pointed out Michkov leading a skating drill.
I get the sense heāll be fine. pic.twitter.com/o6NrGKI2b7
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) October 15, 2025
Tocchet’s early treatment of Michkov is reminding some Flyers fans of another ex-Canucks coach, John Tortorella.
Tocchetās system isnāt for the creative minds. His idea of creative hockey is the dump and chase. Players like Michkov arenāt suited for this dreaded system. BriĆØre moved on from Torts only to hire a coach that would never fit their franchise playerās style.
— Obie Jean (@obie2327) October 20, 2025
Not only are some fans questioning the lack of playing time for Michkov, but others are also not happy with the fact that Trevor Zegras has been shifted to the wing after starting the first three games for Philadelphia at centre.
Is Torts coaching the team dressed as Tocchet? WTF!
— John Snyder (@John_Snyder64) October 19, 2025
Others are claiming that Michkov would perform better in a coaching system that allowed for more creativity.
Means nothing put Michkov in Montreal he would have the same or better put Ivan in Philly and he would br hard pressed for two points. The Tocchet effect is real.
— -BK- (@BBKelly99) October 20, 2025
The Canucks will see Tocchet and the Flyers twice in eight days around the Christmas break. Vancouver visits Philadelphia for a game on Dec. 22. Then, Tocchet will return to Vancouver for the first time as Flyers head coach on Dec. 30.