Flyers Not Looking to Trade Michkov Amid Reports

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere and coach Rick Tocchet denied reports that Matvei Michkov wants a trade, saying Michkov and his agent told them no trade request had been made; Michkov said he is happy in Philadelphia and focused on hockey. The Flyers say trading the winger is not their plan and consider him central to their future. The reports followed a heated bench exchange between Michkov and teammate Nick Seeler, which both players said was resolved and which Michkov described as a routine result of competitive emotions. Philadelphia is off to a 5-10-5 start, with Briere acknowledging the team’s performance is not good enough. Michkov, 21, leads the Flyers with 10 goals and 14 points through 20 games and is set to become a restricted free agent after the season.