Blackhawks Should Re-Sign Ilya Mikheyev

The Chicago Blackhawks have their hands full in re-signing Connor Bedard, whether or not it’s a long-term or short-term contract. The Blackhawks have another important task, though, and that’s extending Ilya Mikheyev’s contract.

Mikheyev’s Contributions 

Mikheyev was one of the few bright spots in a struggling Blackhawks season, which saw them finish in second-to-last place. He was a reliable forward and could be placed anywhere in the lineup and perform at a high level. Mikheyev, 31 years old (will be 32 when the next season starts), in a contract year, played the right way at the right time. He tallied 18 goals and 18 assists, adding up to 36 points, throughout 77 games while averaging 17:25 of ice time per contest in the 2025-26 season. In 2024-25, Mikheyev put up 34 points, so he maintained his pace. 

Not only was he impressive from a points standpoint, but he was also the leader on the penalty kill. His speed, high motor, and overall effort showed on the ice and contributed greatly to the Blackhawks finishing the season with the second-best penalty kill in the league (they were first up until the trade deadline). Mikheyev also generated many offensive chances on the penalty kill as well, and finished with one goal and three points on the PK. He connected with rookie sensation and 2025 third-overall pick, Anton Frondell, as well, with them connecting for Mikheyev’s 14th and 15th goals of the season (Frondell’s first point, too). The two had a lot of chemistry. 

Mikheyev needed a change of scenery and waived his no-trade clause to be traded by the Vancouver Canucks to Chicago, along with Sam Lafferty and a fourth-round pick, in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick. It was also meant to be a salary cap dump from the Canucks’ point of view, trying to get his $4.75 million off their books. Chicago, having all of the cap space in the world and still needing to reach the cap floor, took him on. It ended up working out well for the Blackhawks. 

Where the Blackhawks and Mikheyev Currently Stand

Unfortunately, it seems as if the Blackhawks and Mikheyev are far apart as of right now when it comes to his next deal. There have been reports from Elliotte Friedman that the Blackhawks have made Mikheyev available at the NHL Draft to trade his rights away. 

The issue couldn’t possibly be with money; the Blackhawks need to actually work hard, whether with trades, taking cap dumps for a short period of time, or free agency, to reach the cap floor before the 2026-27 season kicks off in October. The problem is with the term. 

Mikheyev will be 32 years old when the next season rolls around. With the Blackhawks having the youngest team in the league turning a new leaf, he doesn’t necessarily fit that bill. Chicago could be at three years, and Mikheyev could be at five — either way, without numbers, it’s highly likely it’s the fact that the Blackhawks are at a shorter-term deal and Mikheyev wants a longer term, and it makes sense for both sides. 

Mikheyev would want the longer-term deal for more security and more money. He’s getting up there in age; how long is he going to keep performing like this? He’s going to want his term and secure money, especially after the last couple of years he’s had with the Hawks. He’ll probably get about $5 million per year on his next contract, but that will be the new premium for a third-line player with the cap going up so much over the next few seasons. Even going from this season to next season, it is rising by $8.5 million. 

The Blackhawks should absolutely try their hardest to bring back Mikheyev, as he’s a positive veteran influence and a versatile, do-it-all forward. His impact will be missed if he leaves the Windy City; it would be a bigger loss than many think.