Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Blackhawks trading Ilya Mikheyev?
The Blackhawks are trading Mikheyev because he doesn't fit their long-term plans as he approaches his 32nd birthday. There's a disconnect between what Mikheyev wants (likely a longer-term deal) and what Chicago is willing to offer (maximum two years).
How good was Mikheyev's penalty killing for the Blackhawks?
Mikheyev was exceptional on the penalty kill, helping lead the Blackhawks to the second-best penalty-kill mark in the entire NHL this season. He's considered perhaps a top-five penalty killer in the league.
What are the Blackhawks' main offseason priorities?
The Blackhawks have three main priorities: re-sign Connor Bedard, draft a future superstar with the No. 4 pick, and make a splash on the trade market to get Bedard a competent linemate.
How much does Mikheyev's contract cost?
Mikheyev carries a cap hit of $4,037,500 annually. Vancouver originally traded him to Chicago for negative value because they wanted to dump his contract.
Who will replace Mikheyev on the penalty kill?
The Blackhawks will look to young players Ryan Greene, Landon Slaggert, Roman Kantserov, and AJ Spellacy to step up and fill Mikheyev's penalty-killing role, though they can't fully replace his production.
Isaac Nielsen
Isaac Nielsen is a University of Nebraska–Omaha graduate with a degree in Journalism & Media Communication and four years of experience in sports journalism. He has spent the past two years as the Lead Blackhawks Writer at Sports Mockery, covering the team’s rebuild and focusing on roster construction, and has also reported on the Bears, Colts, Omaha Athletics, and Nebraska football.
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