Canucks Rumors: Ilya Mikheyev Finished in Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks are going to look much different next season and it could start with either trading or buying out Ilya Mikheyev. The Russian forward had another disappointing season in Vancouver and with some expected changes, could be a piece the team moves on from to create immediate cap relief.

Mikheyev recorded 11 goals and 31 points in 71 games during the regular season and wasn't able to hit the scoresheet in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games. As some media member have mentioned throughout the season, sometimes Mikheyev looks like he's just out there for some cardio.

The undrafted winger has two seasons left on his contract $4.75 million and does have trade protection against 12 teams. The Canucks would surely have to retain some salary to get a team to bite on the trade market.

General manager Patrik Allvin has some major decisions ahead of him this summer. The team is going to try hard to keep Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov in the mix, however if both hit the open market in July, Vancouver is likely to lose both as teams are going to line up to overpay.

Buying out Mikheyev would be one way for Allvin to create some more flexibility financially. Instead of a cap hit of $4.75 million, a buy out brings down the first year to $1.15 million. Certainly something to consider.

Patrik Allvin on Ilya Mikheyev's season and how the Canucks can do a better job putting him in a position to succeed.

📽️: TSN | Vancouver Canucks pic.twitter.com/rQjRWnCY3S
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) May 23, 2024