Trade completed between the Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks: A home run for Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks may have hit a home run when they acquired Ilya Mikheyev last summer from the Vancouver Canucks.

The Blackhawks acquired Mikheyev, Sam Lafferty, and a 2nd round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft for a 4th round pick, also in 2027.

Things worked out for the Blackhawks in terms of the trade thanks to the career-best year that Mikheyev had in his 1st season playing in Chicago.

Before coming to Chicago, Mikheyev had only reached the 20-goal mark one time in his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In his 1st year with Chicago, he had 34 points (20G, 14A), establishing a new career best in total points.

He also led the Blackhawks with 3 shorthanded goals and also reached a new career best in games played with 80.

He has a year left on his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $4,750,000, and if he can have another season like he did in 2024-25, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson will have to seriously consider offering him a new deal to stick around.

Because he played all throughout the lineup last year, it's going to be up to new Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill to decide where he'll best fit in, though his role on Chicago's PK is already set in stone.

The Blackhawks aren't expected to realistically compete for a playoff spot this year, but if they can continue getting steady production out of Mikheyev, it will help them inch closer to getting back to postseason competition.