When it comes to fiery personalities, John Tortorella and Matvei Michkov stand out as kindred spirits.
Both passionate, competitive, and unyielding, their dynamic has captured attention throughout Michkov’s first season with the Flyers. While some might assume their clashes stem from tension or discord, Tortorella paints a different picture—one of mutual respect, growth, and a productive relationship that’s far more nuanced than it appears.
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In speaking about his evolving bond with Michkov, Tortorella was candid about the unavoidable moments of conflict but emphasized the value they bring to the young forward’s development.
“[Those kinds of conflicts] will be inevitable, but they’re so productive,” he shared. “I’m not sure what was written on it or what was said about it, but the conflict I had with him is not X’s and O’s…There’s so many different things that go on in dealing with a young player like that.”
He’s specifically referencing one of the more publicized instances of their impassioned exchanges, which came during a game against the New York Islanders on Jan. 30. Tortorella could be seen animatedly speaking with Michkov on the bench, and the 20-year-old was responding with equal fervor. Although the altercation was not the reason for it, Michkov remained benched for the third period of that game.
It was a moment that sparked speculation about a rift between coach and player, but Tortorella made it clear that these moments are part of the process—and that he values them deeply.
“I was done with that—ten minutes after it happened, I was done with it,” Tortorella admitted. “Quite honestly, if I had to do it again, I probably should’ve played him in the third period. If I had to do it again, I would’ve—but should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. I learned too.”
Although his coaching often sparks debate, this acknowledgment speaks volumes about how Tortorella approaches conflict with his players. While he famously wants to hold them accountable, he is not above reflection and growth himself. That willingness to reassess and learn from decisions is part of what makes him a compelling leader for a team filled with developing talent like Michkov.
A Season of Challenges and Growth For Michkov
Michkov’s journey this season has been anything but easy. As a highly-touted young player adjusting to the NHL’s physical and mental demands, he’s had to navigate conditioning, travel, and the relentless pace of the league.
Tortorella recognizes the weight of those challenges and is impressed by how Michkov has handled them.
“It’s been a lot for him,” Tortorella acknowledged. “I haven’t talked to him about it, but I’ve heard he’s looking forward to [the break]. It’s been a lot for him. We expected it, and that’s why it’s been so good to have him go through some of the stuff this year — the conditioning that’s needed, the travel, just the fatigue mentally.”
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Despite the grind, Michkov has made significant strides, and Tortorella has taken notice.
“He has improved so much in some of the things we need him to improve at. It’s been a grind for him. You can see in the tempo of his game that it’s changed since the beginning of the year, and that’s to be expected,” Tortorella said. “I can imagine what’s written about him and I, but you don’t know and you shouldn’t because I’m not going to talk about those situations. I look at him [and] I’m really anxious to see what he turns into.”
That last sentiment is crucial. Tortorella, known for his demanding coaching style, sees immense potential in Michkov and is eager to witness his continued evolution.
The Human Level of Hockey
Both Tortorella and Michkov are emotional figures, which can sometimes lead to heated exchanges. However, Tortorella views this shared trait as a strength — one that, while occasionally leading to mistakes, fuels their passion for the game.
“Emotion is a double-edged sword. It’s a really good thing, but you also make mistakes with it too,” Tortorella noted.
That emotion is evident in Michkov’s relentless pursuit of improvement and Tortorella’s unwavering dedication to pushing his players to be their best. It’s what allows them to have the kind of open, honest exchanges that many might misconstrue as conflict.
“I think he’s got a tremendous personality. He wants to be better,” Tortorella said. “I was done with [the bench exchange] ten minutes after it happened, but it was meaningful in that moment. Those are moments where you grow — both of us.”
Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News
Some Much-Needed Time Off
As the Flyers head into the 4-Nations break, Michkov will have time to regroup and recharge. Tortorella, too, will undoubtedly continue thinking about how to best guide his young star through the highs and lows of an NHL season. Their relationship, built on respect and mutual passion, is one that is often misunderstood and misconstrued, but one that they both can (and have) learned a lot from.
In a league where coaches and players often maintain polite but distant relationships, the raw honesty between Tortorella and Michkov is refreshing. It speaks to a shared desire to win and improve, no matter the challenges that come their way. And in that respect, they are perfectly suited for one another.
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