Vancouver Canucks may pursue trading forward Ilya Mikheyev during the summer

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Gabriel Sami
June 14, 2024 (9:16)

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The Vancouver Canucks enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season from their roster, but they seem poised to trade a key depth forward this summer.

Despite their long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Canucks fell short of the Finals, prompting expectations of significant changes. Mid-season acquisitions Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov are likely to leave as free agents, and now, according to Frank Seravalli, the team is looking to move on from veteran forward Ilya Mikheyev.

"The Canucks have been working to move Mikheyev since shortly after their playoff run concluded. They also offered him to teams around the trade deadline. After a tough playoff, Mikheyev's contract is gumming up the works on Vancouver's offseason. They can't more aggressively pursue multiple pending free agents (Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Filip Hronek) until they can get clearer view of their cap picture." Seravalli said.

At 29, Mikheyev recorded 31 points, the second-highest total of his five-year NHL career, including a career-high 20 assists, demonstrating his effectiveness in a depth role. The market for Mikheyev this summer remains uncertain, and with two years remaining on his contract at $4.75 million AAV, the Canucks may need to add an incentive to attract a trade partner.

While Mikheyev hasn't become the star some expected when he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs, he remains a valuable role player in any lineup. It's anticipated that he will be moved in the coming weeks or months.

Source: House of Hockey
Vancouver Canucks to explore trading forward Ilya Mikheyev this summer

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