Ilya Mikheyev’s exclusive negotiating rights have been made available for trade by the Blackhawks. Mikheyev recently produced strong results in Chicago, including 38 goals in 157 games over two seasons, along with defensive value and elite skating speed. He previously signed as an expensive free agent with Vancouver in 2022, but injuries limited his performance there before Vancouver traded him to Chicago for a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, with a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft also involved. Mikheyev will turn 32 on Oct. 10, and his bounce-back seasons may make him attractive on a thin free-agent market. The Blackhawks are unlikely to offer significant term to players over 30, so exploring trade value is presented as the prudent approach.
"Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has been open about liking Mikheyev and having a desire to bring him back, but I've outlined the issues with that proposition with where the Blackhawks are in their building process."
"Mikheyev scored 38 goals in 157 games over two seasons with Chicago and was one of the best defensive wings in the entire NHL. He's also one of the fastest skaters in the league; only Frank Nazar had a higher top speed on the Blackhawks this past season."
"But Mikheyev will turn 32 on Oct. 10. And those two bounce-back seasons with the Blackhawks should make him a popular player on a thin free agent market this summer. As I've written before, Mikheyev should be looking for dollars and term at this point in his career. This is probably the last time he'll be able to cash in as an NHL player. And the Blackhawks shouldn't be giving much term to players north of 30 years old at this point of their build."
"The report from Friedman on Monday morning appears to be an indication that the Blackhawks and Mikheyev's camp understand there isn't likely a scenario where he returns to Chicago next season. If the Blackhawks can get anything for his exclusive negotiating rights, it would be wise to explore those opportunities."
Read at Bleacher Nation
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