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The Chicago Blackhawks have been advised to trade away 30-year-old goal-scoring forward

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Joshua Deeds
July 23, 2025 (11:33)

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The Chicago Blackhawks could aid their ongoing rebuild with assets to acquire more talent, as Todd Matthews of BlackhawkUp believes Kyle Davidson should trade Ilya Mikheyev.

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to keep the rebuild going full-force, as they could add to the team as a whole by subtraction.

That could involve trading forward Ilya Mikheyev, who hasn't been an impact player in the lineup, but a good depth option since he's arrived from Vancouver.

Mikheyev is in the final year of his $4.75 million AAV contract, and the Blackhawks could put it to better use, including promotions to the NHL from Rockford.

Todd Matthews believes that Mikheyev could fetch a nice overpay from a contending team.

«An underrated player who could probably draw in some much-needed help if the Hawks swap with a contender, I'd put Ilya Mikheyev on the trade block immediately and let a contender who needs another forward on the middle six overpay for him,» Matthews wrote. «Not that Mikheyev, even if he sold at a higher cost than usual, wouldn't be a disappointment if he didn't put up 20 goals for a playoff-caliber team.

Ilya Mikheyev has solid goal-scoring ability history

Which, as a 20-goal scoring middle-six forward, may not be too far off from the truth. Mikheyev has put his time to work in Chicago, scoring 34 points (20-14) in 80 games with the Blackhawks and has been utilized up and down the lineup.

While the team could get rid of him at the 2026 trade deadline, his value is higher than it ever will be after this season in the Windy City.

The Blackhawks weren't quick to spend all their cap space on top talent in the NHL for a reason. As the goal isn't to block anyone's path to the NHL.

Mikheyev could be the next opening on the roster for a player who's developed to the point he's NHL-ready, but not yet a top-six forward.

In the meantime, it'll be interesting to see how Jeff Blashill constructs the lineup as veterans slowly trickle out of the lineup.

The most recent, with TJ Brodie being bought out.

Could Mikheyev fetch a decent haul for his 20-goal season? We'll find out.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Chicago Blackhawks announce major summer clean out with firing of several employees

Completed trade between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers now has a clear winner: Per insider

A special announcement has been made on former Blackhawk Andrew Shaw

POLL
JUILLET 23 \| 494 ANSWERS The Chicago Blackhawks have been advised to trade away 30-year-old goal-scoring forward Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks trade former 20-goal scoring forward Ilya Mikheyev?
Yes	189	38.3 %
No	305	61.7 %
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The Chicago Blackhawks have been advised to trade away 30-year-old goal-scoring forward

The Chicago Blackhawks could aid their ongoing rebuild with assets to acquire more talent, as Todd Matthews of BlackhawkUp believes Kyle Davidson should trade Ilya Mikheyev.

Ilya Mikheyev has solid goal-scoring ability history

Should GM Kyle Davidson of the Chicago Blackhawks trade former 20-goal scoring forward Ilya Mikheyev?