Canucks Get Great News On Ilya Mikheyev

The Vancouver Canucks have received a huge boost to the lineup, as forward Ilya Mikheyev is finally set to make his season debut. 

"Huge step for me...I'm excited to come back."

🗣 Ilya Mikheyev on playing his first game of the season today in Florida.@theprovince | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/Rm6cv6SDuh

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 21, 2023

"It feels good, I'm excited... Huge step for me...I'm excited to come back." 

Mikheyev will be slotting in on Elias Pettersson's line, and head coach Rick Tocchet feels that will be a nice boost for his 100-point man. 

"He's going to help Petey...He can get in there and win some puck battles."

🗣 Head Coach Rick Tocchet confirms Ilya Mikheyev will play tonight against the Panthers.@theprovince | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/rYa6Ri5FpN

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 21, 2023

"He's going to help Petey...He can get in there and win some puck battles and get the puck to Petey (for more touches)... 

"But I've gotta manage (Mikheyev's) minutes. I don't think it's prudent for him to be playing a ton tonight."

It was just one week ago that Mikheyev suffered a "setback" in his recovery from a torn ACL and was forced back into a non-contact jersey at practice. That delayed his return and left him as a spectator for this week's two games thus far, both losses for the Canucks. But he'll be back in the Vancouver lineup Saturday night. 

As for Pettersson, giving him more touches is a scary thing for the rest of the league, as he's already managed eight points in four games (one goal, seven assists). 

The former Toronto Maple Leaf, Mikheyev posted 28 points in 46 games last year for the Canucks, in just under 17 minutes of ice time per contest. 

Photo:  Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports