Maple Leafs Eye Familiar Face in Bold Trade Proposal for $19M Winger

Maple Leafs Eye Familiar Face in Bold Trade Proposal for $19M Winger

In a move that could shake up their top-six forward group, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly considering a trade to bring back a familiar face: winger Ilya Mikheyev. According to a speculative pitch from Heavy.com, the Leafs could re-acquire Mikheyev from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Nick Robertson, Calle Järnkrok, and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Proposed Trade Breakdown

To Toronto:

• Ilya Mikheyev

To Chicago:

• Nick Robertson
• Calle Järnkrok
• 2027 fourth-round pick

The deal would reunite Mikheyev with the team that originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Now entering the final year of a four-year, $19 million contract, Mikheyev could slot into Toronto’s top line alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, bringing speed and scoring touch. He tallied 20 goals and 14 assists in 80 games last season.

Why It Makes Sense

Toronto is looking to clear cap space and retool its forward depth. Robertson, despite his potential, has struggled to find consistent ice time. He posted 15 goals and 7 assists in 69 games last season and could benefit from a fresh start in Chicago’s rebuilding system.

Järnkrok, also in the final year of his deal ($8.4 million over four years), has battled injuries and played just 19 games last season. Including him in the deal helps balance salaries and opens up roster flexibility.

Mikheyev’s Toronto Legacy

During his initial stint with the Leafs, Mikheyev recorded 36 goals and 36 assists across 146 games. His final season in Toronto was his most productive, with 21 goals and 11 assists, earning him a lucrative deal with Vancouver. However, he hasn’t replicated that success since, making a return to Toronto a potentially high-reward gamble.

Forward Movement in Toronto

The Leafs are reportedly interested in signing free agent Jack Roslovic, but cap constraints remain a hurdle. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that Toronto is actively trying to “move money around,” with Robertson, Järnkrok, David Kämpf, and Bobby McMann all considered trade candidates.

If the Mikheyev deal materializes, it could be the first domino in a broader reshuffling of Toronto’s forward corps—one aimed at maximizing top-line chemistry and playoff potential.