In the season opener for SKA St. Petersburg, Matvei Michkov, the highly touted 18-year-old, found himself as a healthy scratch in the lineup.
This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering that 17-year-old Ivan Demidov occupied the 13th forward position, suggesting that Michkov was surpassed for that spot.
SKA's coach, Roman Rotenberg, offered insights into Michkov's absence, hinting at potential character-related concerns. Rotenberg's remarks shed light on a couple of crucial points.
Firstly, Michkov did not secure a spot in SKA's lineup for the day. Despite his undeniable skill, it appears that Rotenberg is looking for a more well-rounded game from Michkov or expecting greater effort on his part.
Secondly, it underscores the possibility of Michkov serving as the 13th forward if he manages to make the team. With Demidov being a highly-regarded prospect for the 2024 draft, known for his defensive responsibility, it sets the stage for ongoing competition throughout the season. This competition could even result in one of them being loaned out, similar to Michkov's situation in the previous season.
