This Blackhawks forward is a prime contract extension to watch.
The Chicago Blackhawks are entering the summer as a big team to watch. They should be looking to make multiple moves during the summer as they aim to take that next step in their rebuild next season.
There is a chance that we will see the Blackhawks move on from a few of their pending free agents this summer. However, it is clear that they should be working hard to keep one of them around: forward Ilya Mikheyev.
Since his arrival to the Blackhawks, Mikheyev has been a key part of their roster. It is clear that Mikheyev has fit in wonderfully in Chicago, as he has not only fit well in their top nine but has also been an incredibly important part of their penalty kill. Thus, the Blackhawks should be working very hard to keep the veteran forward around rather than potentially letting him leave in free agency.
Mikheyev once again had a strong season for the Blackhawks in 2025-26. In 77 games this campaign with the Central Division club, he scored 18 goals and set a new career high with 36 points. This is after he had 20 goals and 34 points in 80 games during his first season with the Blackhawks in 2024-25.
If the Blackhawks could get Mikheyev to stay around on a two-year deal, it would be great news for them. It will be fascinating to see if they end up extending the 6-foot-2 forward from here.