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Chicago Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Ilya Mikheyev

Ilya Mikheyev had a four-point night (1G, 3A) in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 6-3 win over the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 2. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

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Chicago Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Ilya Mikheyev

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Brooke LoFurno | Last updated May 8, 2026 12:05 PM ET

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The Chicago Blackhawks finished their 2025-26 campaign 31st in the league, with a record of 29-39-14 and 72 points. It was an improvement from last season’s totals of 25-46-11 (61 points), but the organization had more progress in mind when they embarked on this campaign. The good news is the Blackhawks finished with more wins and more points than the previous season. They also feel they’ve taken positive strides in the growth and development of a plethora of young players, who could be a big part of a more successful future.

In this summer series, we’ll hand out individual grades to every player on the team. Today, we highlight forward Ilya Mikheyev.

Mikheyev’s Season Stats

18 goals, 18 assists, 36 points, plus–2 in 77 games played. Average time on ice (ATOI) of 17:26 minutes

44.3 Corsi For Percentage (at Even Strength) (CF%), 23 blocked shots, 31 hits, 22 takeaways, 63 giveaways, 18 penalty minutes

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent; due for a contract extension

Season Overview

If there is one recent trade that keeps getting better and better for the Blackhawks, it’s Mikheyev. Since he arrived from the Vancouver Canucks in 2024, his presence has been invaluable. The 31-year-old was mainly a third-line player this season, but did get some top-six time in the final stretch of the regular season.

Mikeyev was one of the Blackhawks’ players who played well with everyone, whether it was Tyler Bertuzzi, Ryan Donato, Oliver Moore, Andrew Mangiapane, and so on. He made the third line a solid depth line.

Beyond that, he was third-best on the team in goals and was one of the biggest factors in the Blackhawks’ penalty kill being as successful as it was (second-best in the NHL). His three short-handed points had him tied in the NHL with players like Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights) and Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets).

His 36 points were a career-high for him, and to top it off, he was the only current player on the roster with a positive plus/minus rating.

Mikheyev is basically everything teams want in a depth forward. High hockey IQ, works hard, fast, and has good two-way ability. Granted, his goals can come and go. But his overall game makes him an asset to the roster. His teammates and head coach Jeff Blashill raved about what he brought to the team. It all earned him the “Most Underrated Player” in my colleague Gail Kauchak’s Blackhawks Player Awards piece.

General manager Kyle Davidson said during exit interviews that they would like to re-sign Mikeheyev this summer, calling him “a very meaningful piece and a useful player in our organization.”

Quotable Quote

As mentioned, Mikheyev’s teammates raved about him. There were many good quotes to choose from.

Connor Bedard had this to say about Mikheyev in February.

“He doesn’t go under the radar in our dressing room. You know, we understand how great he is. I think he’s the best penalty killer in the league, and, you know, it shows with our penalty kill right now. He’s the guy that’s hopping over the boards first every time. So, it’s unbelievable what he can do. His speed, his motor, you know, the way he can get in the way of everything, and just cause havoc.

I know in practice, it sucks to go against him. So, it’s fun to watch. And not just PK (penalty kill), his 5-on-5 game as well. He does so much for us. So, you know, maybe from an outside perspective, people don’t know. But in the room, we definitely appreciate what he does and how great he is.”

Mikheyev’s Final Grade: A-

I think Mikeheyev is one of the players who deserves an A grade, as I think he was one of the team’s best forwards. Yes, he was sometimes cold in the scoring area. But it’s hard to find faults in his game this season. He played his role well, doing what was expected and then some.

Therefore, the Blackhawks are hoping to keep it going with Mikheyev in negotiations this summer.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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