Ilya Mikheyev explains why he played on a partially torn ACL

After scoring a goal in last night’s 5-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, Canucks fans were caught off guard when it was announced that Ilya Mikheyev would be shut down for the year to undergo ACL surgery on an injury he suffered in the preseason.

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin broke the news to the media immediately following the win, leading to several questions surrounding the decision and, specifically, why it wasn’t made sooner.

Today, Mikheyev took to Twitter to assuage concerns about playing through his torn ACL.

In a three-tweet thread, Mikheyev relayed his decision-making on why he played through the injury and provided the Canucks’ medical staff with a public vote of confidence.

“I understand there is a lot of debate about my decision to play with an ACL injury. Here are the facts: when I was injured in the preseason, I went through several tests and realized I could play without causing any more damage. That’s what I wanted to do,” Mikheyev said.

“Twice per week, we consulted with team doctors about how things were progressing. Never did I feel pressure, never did I feel worse. It was my decision. Finally it reached a point where I wanted to be ready on time for next year.”

“If I continued to play, I wouldn’t be ready for training camp. I appreciate everyone’s concern, but I have no complaints with the way this was handled.”

The statement from Mikheyev comes off the heels of multiple different Canucks stories surrounding injuries that have faced multiple setbacks. Tanner Pearson’s hand injury back on November 9 has since resulted in four surgeries and a rumoured setback that may be career-ending, while Thatcher Demko’s timeline to return from the lower body injury he suffered back on December 1 is still very muddy.

Despite the injury, Mikheyev potted 13 goals and 15 points in 46 games this season, putting him seventh in team scoring. The expectation is that he’ll be at 100% in time for training camp in September, as he enters year two of the four-year, $19 million deal he signed last offseason.