The Chicago Blackhawks appear to be the frontrunner to acquire Mikheyev, according to a source from Postmedia, although another team is also reportedly interested in the speedy winger. Mikheyev, 29, holds a no-trade clause in his contract, but his agent, Dan Milstein, recently received authorization to explore trade options. Milstein is focused on securing the best possible destination for his client.
Sounds like Blackhawks will likely end up acquiring Ilya MIkheyev and Sam Lafferty's UFA rights from the Canucks, but the trade isn't quite done yet. Deleted the previous tweet because it gave off that impression.
In any case, if Mikheyev does come, he profiles a lot like Jason…
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) June 27, 2024
While Mikheyev would need to waive his no-trade clause, it seems inevitable that he will be traded. The fact that his agent is actively seeking a trade indicates willingness on Mikheyev’s part to move to a suitable team.
As reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the potential Chicago deal would involve a second-round draft pick. Vancouver lacks a second-rounder in this year’s draft, so it might involve a future second-round pick or one from another team. Additionally, pending unrestricted free agent Sam Lafferty’s rights could be included in the package going to Chicago, while Vancouver would receive a fourth-round pick in return.
Ilya Mikheyev hasn’t formally agreed to waive his no-trade clause yet to go to #Blackhawks, but provided he does, teams have agreement in place on a trade:
To #Blackhawks: Ilya Mikheyev, 2nd Rd Pick, pending UFA Sam Lafferty
To #Canucks: 4th Rd Pick@DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 27, 2024
Mikheyev posted 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) in 124 games over two seasons with the Canucks, though he struggled last season, scoring just one goal in his last 60 games played.
Moving Mikheyev would give the Canucks more flexibility to address their roster needs through free agency.
