NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Forward Finished in Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs would love to have speedy forward Ilya Mikheyev back for next season and beyond, but all signs are pointing to a breakup this summer.

Don't forget this is the same player who asked to be traded before the start of last season, so it shouldn't come as a shock the two sides are parting ways. Mikheyev is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday and has essentially priced himself out of a reunion in Toronto.

The 27-year-old finally found a scoring touch last season, putting up 21 goals in 53 games, finishing with 32 points. He'd likely flourish with some more minutes on the power play and in a team's top six, so look for Mikheyev and his agent to find him the most playing time possible this summer. 

The New Jersey Devils are looking for wingers, so to are the Seattle Kraken. Mikheyev has blazing speed and his work ethic is near the top of the league, he's able to kill penalties and should be able to maintain his 20-goal productivity from last season. 

Mikheyev and his agent asked the Maple Leafs for $4 million annually and Toronto kindly 'hung up the phone'. Let's see what other general managers have to say later this week when they get wind of the contract demands.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports