Flyers’ Matvei Michkov signs autograph for fan after getting ejected: ‘He should’ve signed it in blood’
The day before his 20th birthday, the rookie phenom gave fans another reason to love him.
Since the Flyers selected him seventh overall in the 2023 NHL draft, rookie Matvei Michkov has proven he’s a star in the making — both on and off the ice — and Philadelphia fans have responded. Sunday night’s game was the latest example of that.
Michkov, on the eve of his 20th birthday, was ejected from Sunday’s loss late in the third period after being issued a roughing penalty against Utah center Barrett Hayton. With only 16 seconds remaining in the game, Michkov headed up the tunnel and into the locker room instead of the penalty box.
» READ MORE: Matvei Michkov finds himself among elite NHL company on his 20th birthday
But before exiting the ice — with blood still on his chin — the rookie stopped in the tunnel to sign a water bottle for a lucky fan (if this was you, email us). Tallying an assist, throwing some punches, getting ejected, and signing for a fan — all one day before turning 20 years old on Monday — sounds like the perfect Philly birthday celebration to us.
“He should’ve signed it in blood,” Al Morganti joked on the NBC Sports Philadelphia postgame show.
Michkov is already a fan favorite as one of Philadelphia’s most productive offensive players this season — he’s currently second on the team and leads all NHL rookies in points (25). Signing for a fan after being ejected is just another reason to love the young star.
» READ MORE: Q&A: Flyers president Keith Jones talks Matvei Michkov, prospects, the goalie situation, and more