Flyers winger Matvei Michkov fined $2,000 for second diving infraction
Under NHL Rule 64 (diving/embellishment), Michkov was fined for his actions against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 24. He previously received a warning on Dec. 3.
In a sophomore season full of hits, Matvei Michkov took another Tuesday, as the NHL fined him $2,000 for his second diving/embellishment infraction of the season.
The incident that led to the fine happened on March 24 against Columbus, when Michkov dropped to the ice after being cross-checked in the midsection by Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro at 17 minutes, 24 seconds of the second period. Fabbro (cross-checking) and Michkov (embellishment) were assessed minor penalties on the play. Michkov’s previous warning came from a Dec. 3 dive against the Buffalo Sabres.
The NHL implemented the fine system beginning in 2014-15 to more seriously penalize players — and teams — who repeatedly dive and embellish to try and draw penalties. After one warning, players are fined on a graduated scale for future offenses, beginning with a $2,000 fine on the second offense. A third offense carries a $3,000 fine, a fourth a $4,000 penalty, and a fifth infraction results in a maximum $5,000 fine, as well as a fine for the team’s coach.
While Michkov may have gone down a tad too easily, the minor penalty and subsequent fine seem harsh given that he was on the receiving end of a legitimate and retaliatory cross-check from Fabbro. Michkov’s immediate appeal to the referee with his hands up probably didn’t help his case.
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Michkov, 21, has been no stranger to discipline from officials, as he leads the Flyers with 69 penalty minutes and has, at times, displayed a short fuse.
The fine comes amid a largely frustrating season for Michkov individually, as the Russian winger’s production has dipped from 26 goals and 63 points as a rookie to 17 goals and 43 points entering Tuesday’s game. He has also dealt with questions, and a subsequent media firestorm, regarding his conditioning and relationship with new coach Rick Tocchet.
Michkov has been more productive and looked quicker since the Olympic break, as he has four goals and 14 points in 21 games since the restart. Over his last 11 games, Michkov has 10 points, including a three-point night (one goal, two assists) Friday in a massive win at the New York Islanders.
Hathaway honored
On Tuesday, the Flyers announced that forward Garnet Hathaway is the team’s nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to an NHL player “who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and makes a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” This is the fifth time he has been nominated for the award.
Hathaway and his wife, Lindsay, created Hath’s Heroes in 2019 and have helped raise $220,000 through the foundation to support first responders and their families. The rugged winger, whose great-grandfather was a firefighter, has donated money to those causes for every hit he records through his “Hits for Hath’s Heroes” initiative and, in collaboration with Delaware-based Dogfish Head Brewing, also launched his Engine 19 IPA beer in August. A portion of all beer sales is donated to first-responder charities.
“Garnet Hathaway is the kind of teammate every organization hopes to have. Not just for what he brings on the ice, but for the impact he makes in the community,” Flyers governor Dan Hilferty said.
“What stands out most about Garnet is the way he connects with people. He doesn’t just show up — he invests in those moments. For Garnet, this work has never been about recognition. It’s about making sure the men and women who serve our communities feel seen, supported, and deeply appreciated.”
Hathaway, who is also beloved in the locker room, specifically for how he welcomes young players and stands up for teammates on the ice, says he is happy to give back.
“I am extremely honored to be nominated for this award,” Hathaway said. “Having a connection to first responders has always made me appreciate their dedication and sacrifices. The connections that Lindsay and I have made through Hath’s Heroes are the most rewarding part of doing this work. It is humbling to hear their stories about what they face on a daily basis.”
The winner of the award will be chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by commissioner Gary Bettman along with former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the historic NHL Foundation Player Award.
The nominee with the most votes will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner will also be eligible to elect that his club receives a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause. No Flyer has ever won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.