The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Ilya Mikheyev to a four-year, $15.4 million contract when National Hockey League free agency opened July 1. The 31-year-old left-shooting forward is expected to contribute as a scorer, penalty killer and flexible lineup option. Mikheyev arrives after setting career highs with 36 points and 17:26 of average time on ice per game for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025-26.
Mikheyev spent the previous two seasons with Chicago after playing two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks and beginning his NHL career with three seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He entered the NHL at age 25 in 2019 after four seasons of professional hockey in the KHL in his hometown of Omsk, Russia. The move gives him a chance to play with fellow Russian and Tampa Bay Lightning teammate Nikita Kucherov.
“I liked Tampa when I played in Toronto, and it is always hard to play against (them),” Mikheyev said of becoming a Bolt. “When we had this opportunity to sign with Tampa, we took it because we loved the hockey, everything with the city, and we are excited to be and play in Tampa.”
Mikheyev adds scoring and penalty-killing experience
Mikheyev scored 18 goals for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025-26, ranking third on the team. He scored 17 of those goals at even strength and finished third on Chicago in even-strength goals and even-strength scoring with 33 points. He also tied Nick Foligno for the team lead in plus-minus at plus-two among the two Chicago players who finished positive while playing at least 20 games.
Mikheyev led Chicago forwards in shorthanded time on ice, averaging 2:38 per game. That figure tied Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli for sixth among regular NHL forwards, and Mikheyev was one of seven forwards to play at least 200 minutes on the penalty kill last season. Chicago ranked second in the NHL in penalty-kill percentage at 83.6%, while Tampa Bay ranked third at 82.6%.
“My whole life, all my career, I have played on the PK, and I feel comfortable. It is more the experience side and of course what kind of system we play,” Mikheyev said. “Because I played in Chicago the last two years…I think it is similar to the PK stuff, and I think it is no problem for me with the Lightning with this system…I feel pretty good on the PK, and I feel comfortable.”
Speed supports Mikheyev’s forechecking
Mikheyev ranked in the 95th percentile among NHL forwards in maximum skating speed and bursts of at least 20 mph last season. His maximum skating speed was 23.54 mph, and he recorded 182 bursts of at least 20 mph. He exceeded 22 mph 12 times.
Lightning vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois pointed to Mikheyev’s speed, forechecking and puck-battle ability as reasons he should fit Tampa Bay’s lineup. “Excellent forechecker, brings a lot of speed to our group,” BriseBois said of Mikheyev. “We’re trying to add speed to our group. He wins puck battles, so I think he’s going to fit really well on our team. He adds some speed, has size, wins puck battles and tilts the ice in our favor.”
Mikheyev said his skating helps him pressure opponents and contribute to the forecheck. “I think it’s my speed,” Mikheyev said. “I like this type of game because forechecking helps a lot for the team. It’s a huge part. I know it’s hard because sometimes you’re just chasing, chasing, but you need to be patient, and the result is coming.”
Lightning can use Mikheyev in multiple roles
Mikheyev is two goals short of 100 career NHL goals and has 201 points in 427 career NHL games. His ability to contribute at even strength, on the penalty kill and in different lineup roles gives the Tampa Bay Lightning a versatile forward for its next season. Mikheyev said he is prepared to help wherever the team needs him.
“I can play everywhere,” Mikheyev said. “In any situation it feels good, and of course I feel good on the PK for sure. For me, I just help the team be better in all situations.”
Mikheyev also expressed excitement about playing with Kucherov. “I’m pretty excited…Those types of players, you should just look and try your best because there’s not many players like Kuch in the NHL. When you have the opportunity to practice and play with him, you should learn. It doesn’t matter how old you are.”
Source: Original report