Insider reveals Avalanche rival reportedly prepared to part ways with top goal scorer
Photo credit: AP Photo / Erin Hooley
The Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, are reportedly prepared to part ways with one of their top goal-scoring forwards, Ilya Mikheyev, as they continue their ongoing rebuild.
Mikheyev tallied 20 goals in his first campaign with the Blackhawks last season.
Ilya Mikheyev's fate in Chicago has been revealed.
Joshua Deeds from Hawks Insider writes that the Blackhawks are pushing full steam ahead with their rebuild, aiming to improve the team overall, even if it means making moves through subtraction.
This could include trading forward Mikheyev, who hasn't been a standout impact player but has served as a reliable depth option since joining from Vancouver.
"Mikheyev is in the final year of his $4.75 million AAV contract, and the Blackhawks could put it to better use, including promotions to the NHL from Rockford." -Deeds
NHL insider Todd Matthews believes that Mikheyev could command a significant return from a contending team willing to take a chance on him.
"An underrated player who could probably draw in some much-needed help if the Hawks swap with a contender, I'd put Ilya Mikheyev on the trade block immediately and let a contender who needs another forward on the middle six overpay for him.
Not that Mikheyev, even if he sold at a higher cost than usual, wouldn't be a disappointment if he didn't put up 20 goals for a playoff-caliber team." -Matthews
Not that Mikheyev, even if he sold at a higher cost than usual, wouldn't be a disappointment if he didn't put up 20 goals for a playoff-caliber team." -Matthews
While the Blackhawks could move on from him at the 2026 trade deadline, his value is likely at its peak following this season in the Windy City, making now the ideal time to sell high.
"The Blackhawks weren't quick to spend all their cap space on top talent in the NHL for a reason. As the goal isn't to block anyone's path to the NHL.
Mikheyev could be the next opening on the roster for a player who's developed to the point he's NHL-ready, but not yet a top-six forward." -Matthews
Mikheyev could be the next opening on the roster for a player who's developed to the point he's NHL-ready, but not yet a top-six forward." -Matthews
In the meantime, it'll be interesting to see how Jeff Blashill shapes the roster as veteran players gradually exit the lineup, the latest being T.J. Brodie, who was recently bought out.
Could Mikheyev's 20-goal campaign be enough to bring in a solid return? Time will tell.
Previously on Avalanche Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 20 ANSWERS Insider reveals Avalanche rival reportedly prepared to part ways with top goal scorer Should the Avalanche trade for Blackhawks forward Ilya Mikheyev? | ||
| yes | 5 | 25 % |
| no | 15 | 75 % |
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