The Toronto Maple Leafs roster looks just about set for the 2021-2022 season. However, one lingering question that likely will not be answered for a while is how exactly the Maple Leafs intend to use Ilya Mikheyev this season. The winger injured his hand in a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators and will miss some time.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Struggles Last Season with the Maple Leafs
Mikheyev started off his Leafs career hot, producing 23 points in 39 games during the 2019-2020 season. He then followed that up with a disappointing 17 points in 54 games last season. Following his disappointing offensive year, Mikheyev reportedly requested a trade out of Toronto. His agent cited team role and ice time as reasons. Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas rejected the Russian winger’s request, telling his camp that he will be a major part of the team going forward.
It is no secret that Mikheyev has the skills to be a great player in the NHL. His main asset is his skating abilities, which were on full display last season. The winger was shown beating out superstar Connor McDavid in a race for the puck. While his skating abilities often give him great chances to score off the rush, his shot has been underwhelming. Often times he will be on a breakaway only to shoot the puck right at the goalie. While his shot is still below league average, the young winger is still a core part of the Leafs penalty kill. His speed allows him to cover a lot of the ice and generate turnovers in the defensive zone.
Last season, Mikheyev shuffled around the lineup playing on both the third and second lines at times. He seemed to click playing alongside Zach Hyman and Pierre Engvall in what Leafs fans referred to as the “HEM” line. Eventually, Hyman was promoted back to the first line and Engvall was out of the lineup. After these lineup changes, Mihkeyev did not seem to find his scoring touch again. Whether it was playing alongside John Tavares and William Nylander or Alex Kerfoot and Nick Foligno, nothing seemed to work. While he remained productive on the penalty kill, he looked out of sorts at times at even strength.
How Will Mikheyev be Used Going Forward Once he Returns to the Lineup?
From the looks of what head coach Sheldon Keefe is looking at and what Dubas promised, Mikheyev may see himself return to a role among the Leafs’ top-six forwards. He is likely to play on the second line playing alongside star players John Tavares and William Nylander. While Mikheyev looks to get the start there once healthy, his role is certainly not cemented in stone on that second line. Left-wing off-season acquisitions Nick Ritchie and Michael Bunting have shined so far in preseason action. Both will look for an opportunity to play in the top-six. Leafs top prospect and sniper Nick Robertson will also get a chance to join the big club at some point in the season.
With Mikheyev missing some time, it is possible that his replacement (likely Michael Bunting) plays great in a top-six role. If this is the case then Mikheyev may be forced onto the third line when he gets back.
For Mikheyev to remain in a top-six role for the Leafs he will need to capitalize on more of his scoring chances. Playing alongside two skilled players on the Leafs he looks poised to receive opportunities in bunches. He must convert on these more than he did last season to stick in this spot in the lineup. The Leafs are a deep team and are feeling the pressure of a lack of success. They will not wait very long for the young Russian winger’s game to turn around before they make changes. It is up to Ilya Mikheyev to decide on his role with the Maple Leafs going forward, as his future is truly in his own hands.
Main Photo:
TORONTO, ON – MAY 22: Corey Perry #94 of the Montreal Canadiens skates after Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Two of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 22, 2021, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Canadiens 5-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
