The name Matvei Michkov continues to spark discussions among Montreal Canadiens fans and observers.

We all remember the infamous decision not to select him. The Canadiens left Michkov on the board to draft young defenseman David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick in 2023.

Since then, numerous rumors have circulated about what really happened in this situation.

Did Michkov refuse to be drafted by the Montreal Canadiens?

Player agent David Ettedgui seems determined to settle this matter and put the rumor to rest once and for all.

Player Agent David Ettedgui Directly Contacted the Montreal Canadiens’ Management About Matvei Michkov

See what he has just revealed. It’s quite significant.

The key takeaway is the following statement:

«NO, Michkov did not say no to the Habs; they simply didn’t pick him. I even contacted the Habs’ upper management a day before the draft, and no.»

– David Ettedgui

This obviously seems like a poor decision at the moment, but let’s still give David Reinbacher a chance to silence his critics.

If he becomes a Moritz Seider or a Jake Sanderson, then it will be a win for the Canadiens.

Michkov, aged 20, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 172 pounds, was the seventh overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023.

He has tallied 25 points in 26 games this season, including 11 goals.

He is clearly an excellent hockey player, but Reinbacher also has the potential to become an excellent hockey player.

One doesn’t rule out the other.