4 Blackhawks on Thin Ice Heading Into December

4. Ilya Mikheyev, LW

Looking to free up cap space ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Vancouver Canucks traded Ilya Mikheyev, Sam Lafferty, and a 2027 second-rounder to the Blackhawks, who only gave up a 2027 fourth-round pick in return.

Even though he had never lit up the league on fire, the Blackhawks were excited to add Mikheyev to the fold. The Russian forward made a name for himself as a solid bottom-six contributor after tallying 45 goals and 91 points in 177 games across his last three seasons split between the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Much to his dismay, though, Mikheyev hasn't found much success since joining the Blackhawks. The 30-year-old winger has been invisible more often than not, registering only two goals and an assist in his first 19 games. He's also averaging 2.3 giveaways per takeaway, which is nearly three times more than last season's average (0.8).

Things just aren't working out for Mikheyev in Chicago, whether that's because he's a bad fit for Richardson's lineup or due to the team's entire lack of chemistry. Either way, the inconsistent winger must reverse course if he wants to play for the Blackhawks in the final year of his contract next season.