"Shtalenkov could start for some teams. (The Sports Forecaster Hockey '97-'98, p. 191)

"After being acquired from Edmonton, Shtalenkov provided the Coyotes with the perfect backup for fellow Russian Khabibulin. Despite a failure to take over the No. 1 role with Oilers, he remains a valuable commodity. Shtalenkov seems perfectly suited for a backup role. He tends to play well even after long stints on the bench, and his attitude is excellent. Shtalenkov will team with Khabibulin to form one of the NHL's best goaltending tandems. Even if he shines in his new role, it's unlikely that he has any future as a front-liner." (The Sports Forecaster 1999-2000, p. 210)

"Shtalenkov did a fine job early last season with the Coyotes, replacing contract holdout Nikolai Khabibulin, but ended up in Florida when Trevor Kidd was out due to injury. Unfortunately, all of his good work went for naught, as he was only used in four Panthers games in the second half. Nonetheless, he finished with a solid 2.35 GAA in 30 games. As age continues to sneak up on him, a backup role seems inevitable - even after impressing two clubs last year." (The Sports Forecaster 2000-01, p. 216)

• Selected by Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in fifth round (fifth Mighty Ducks pick, 108th overall) of National Hockey League entry draft, June 26, 1993.
• Selected by Nashville Predators in National Hockey League expansion draft, June 26, 1998.
• Traded by Predators (with C Jim Dowd) to Edmonton Oilers in exchange for G Eric Fichaud, D Drake Berehowsky and D Greg deVries, October 1, 1998.
• Traded by Oilers to Phoenix Coyotes for fifth-round pick (traded to Nashville) in 2000 draft, March 11, 1999.
• Traded by Coyotes (with fourth-round selection in 2000 draft) to Florida Panthers for G Sean Burke and a fifth-round selection in 2000 draft, November 19, 1999.

• Named Soviet League Rookie of the Year, 1986-87.
• Won Garry F. Longman Memorial Trophy, 1992-93.
• Rated #41 in Hockey Stars Presents "The Top 50 Netminders in Pro Hockey", November 1994.
• Rated #35 in Hockey Stars Presents "The Top 50 Netminders in Pro Hockey", November 1995.
• Member of silver medal-winning Russian Olympic Team, February 1998.

• First National Hockey League Game: 3-2 loss at Vancouver, November 14, 1993.
• First National Hockey League Win: 5-1 win vs. Ottawa, March 13, 1994.

• Mikhail's favourite athlete was Vladislav Tretiak.
• If he could play another professional sport, Mikhail would be a tennis player.