Matvei Michkov Gives First English-Language Interview
The Philadelphia forward, entering the final year of his entry-level contract, discussed his English progress, new diet and improved speed on the ice.
Matvei Michkov says he has improved his English, feels more confident, and is lighter and faster on the skates.
"I've become much better at speaking English. The first season was hard for me. I came to Philadelphia not knowing the language at all. In the second season it was already a bit better, and now it's even better. This is my first interview in English. It's not easy for me. Guys, I apologise. Right now I feel much more confident. I consider Philadelphia my second home. I treat it the same way as my first home — I feel very good here. Thank you all for the support. And for this atmosphere. Right now I feel lighter on the skates, I've become faster, my speed has increased in all elements of the game. Looking after yourself is also hard work. This really is serious work — not only on the ice, but in everyday life. For me this is something new, this kind of diet. But it's good. I want to help the team, I want to support all my team-mates," Michkov said.
The coming season is the last of Michkov's entry-level contract, which pays him 950,000 a year.
If that ease translates to the ice, it points to a player entering his contract year.
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