VOORHEES — How quickly things changed in the Flyers’ quest to get highly regarded draft pick Matvei Michkov into an orange, black and white uniform. Just a few months ago it didn’t look like the skilled Russian player was going to be able to get out of his three-year commitment to his Kontinental Hockey League club. But things began to move in early May when the NHL and KHL appeared to reach an agreement. Just last week, Michkov was allowed to get out of his contract with SKA St. Petersburg. Then, on Monday afternoon it was announced the Flyers had signed Michkov to a three-year, entry-level contract, according to general manager Daniel Briere. Otherwise, it was a quiet day on the opening day of NHL free-agency for the Flyers. They did not sign any free agents, partly due to their salary cap situation, and also because they appear determined to stick to their rebuild program. For now, though, Michkov will more than suffice. He was the No. 7 overall section, the first of two picks in the first round of last year’s NHL Draft. And for now, the sky’s the limit on his expectations. “We’re excited to have Matvei under contract and we look forward to him joining our team at training camp in September,” said Brière, who said he expects Michkov to play in the NHL next season. “We’ve kept a close eye on his development since the draft and to be able to add a player like Matvei, who brings a high-level of talent, skill and game-breaking abilities, he will be a key piece to our future.” Michkov made it clear he wants to live up to the Flyers’ hopes. “I’m extremely happy to officially become a part of the Flyers family,” Michkov said. “Being in the NHL has been a dream for me since childhood. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Flyers management for their trust. I will do everything possible to meet their expectations.” Briere talked Monday of some of the hurdles the 19-year-old Michkov faced in trying to get to North America. “There were a lot of things that needed to happen in the background but that was mostly for him,” Briere said. “It was nice when we finally had the chance to start talking to his agent and get this deal done. “We never thought when we drafted him last summer that this would result in him coming over a year later. So that’s really exciting.” Michkov spent a majority of last season with HC Sochi of the KHL where he recorded 41 points in 47 games. He had been property of SKA St. Petersburg, where he appeared in only one game before being loaned to HC Sochi for the remainder of the season. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound right wing led Sochi in goals (19), ranked second in overall points (41) and was third on the team in assists (22). During the season he recorded 11 multipoint games, including three three-point games, five separate three-game point streaks, including one four-game point streak as an Under-20 aged player. He finished the season with five goals and eight points in his last nine games. Briere said Michkov will not attend this week’s development camp and likely won’t be here until September’s training camp. Briere is eager to have Michkov start developing under head coach John Tortorella and his staff. “This is the chance for Matvei to learn from a coach like ‘Torts’ and I know he’s going to coach him the right way,” Briere said. “He’s going to be tough on him, he’s going to be fair. And he’s going to teach him the right way. “He’s going to come here and nothing is going to be given to him. He’s going to have to earn it. Knowing how competitive we’ve been told he is, it’s going to be fun to see. He’s got a lot to learn and he’s not going to be put above anybody else.” As for the thought that in Michkov the Flyers finally have a real rebuilding piece, Briere said, “It’s a little bit early to tell. We’ve watched him on tape. It’s exciting. You see the stuff he pulls off. You can’t wait to see that on the Flyers, but at the same time we have to be careful. We won’t know how it’s going to work out. I think it’s a little early but he has special skills.”