“The most impressive thing about Mikheyev’s abbreviated 2022-23 campaign — in which he tallied 13 goals and 15 assists through 46 games — was that the ACL injury that he was playing through was something that affected his skating. Even so, Mikheyev was one of the fastest Canucks on a nightly basis. And while that is certainly an indictment on the much-maligned team speed of the Canucks, it also makes the mind wonder what Mikheyev will be able to accomplish with two legs working the way they’re supposed to.

Mikheyev’s two-way game, speed, forechecking, and penalty killing abilities are sure to make him a player Rick Tocchet trusts with plenty of opportunities, so it’s safe to expect Mikheyev to play a big role in his second of four years with the Canucks. Our expectation is that he remains on the Canucks’ first line and breaks the 20 goal mark with ease.