Canucks: Is Ilya Mikheyev about to be traded?

Ilya Mikheyev time in Vancouver appears to be up. Postmedia has confirmed a report by the Chicago Sun-Times’ Ben Pope that Mikheyev and his $4.75 million cap hit are on the verge of being traded.

The Chicago Blackhawks are the most likely destination, but a source told Postmedia that another team beyond Chicago may also be in the mix for the speedy winger. Mikheyev, 29, has a no-trade clause in his contract. But with his agent Dan Milstein having been authorized last week to find a trade for his client, this is all about Milstein finding the most ideal spot for his client.



Technically Mikheyev will have to waive his no-trade, but leave no doubt, he’s getting traded. The fact his agent agreed to serve as broker meant he was agreeing to waive his trade should an amenable landing spot be found. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli said the Chicago deal would see a second round pick — Vancouver doesn’t have a second rounder in this year’s draft, so either a future second rounder or perhaps a second rounder from another team — plus the rights to pending UFA winger Sam Lafferty shipped to the Windy City, with a fourth-round pick going the other way to the Canucks.

Mikheyev notched 59 points (24G, 35A) in 124 games over two seasons as a Canuck, but struggled last season with one goal in his last 60 games played. Trading Mikheyev would allow the Canucks to have more flexibility to fill out their roster with free agents. mraptis@postmedia.

com [email protected].