The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed a winger that spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. Ilya Mikheyev has signed a four-year contract worth $3.85 million per year. Mikheyev’s speed will fit right in with some other quick forwards in Tampa, and the lightning gain a solid piece on a relatively cheap deal.
A Look at the Ilya Mikheyev Extension
Mikheyev In Chicago
Mikheyev never really turned out to be the player the Blackhawks would hope he’d be. Recording just 34 and 36 points in his two seasons there. He was dependable, playing 80 games two seasons ago and 77 this past season. He was fantastic on the penalty kill in Chicago. Mikheyev was also strong defensively, being a plus player in both his years in Chicago. However, he just never found the jump offensively to be more than a good depth piece.
Ilya Mikheyev, signed 4x$3.9M by TB, is a speedy defensive winger who’s excellent at killing penalties and contributes on the forecheck at 5v5. Strong defensive track record. pic.twitter.com/aHTFZNtMFq
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2026
Mikheyev did see his ice time jump to over 17 minutes a night in his last season in Chicago. That was a new career high for him. Chicago just never really found a groove in the past two seasons. Injuries to players like Connor Bedard didn’t help. But overall Mikheyev and Chicago did not benefit from each other, with timing being a large part of that.
Mikheyev In Tampa Bay
It makes sense why Tampa Bay wanted Mikheyev. He’s fast, plays solid defensive hockey, and can kill penalties. There’s no need for him to pop off offensively or find another gear he hasn’t unlocked in his career before. If he can bring his style of play to Tampa and play with guys like Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel, he’ll be a valuable asset for the Lightning.
There’s not a lot of risk for the Lightning with this contract. Four years for a 31-year-0ld isn’t a large concern. And there’s always the potential playing with better players in Tampa Bay will make this a steal on the books. Overall it’s a solid pickup for the Lightning as they look to win a playoff series for the first time since 2022.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
