As you’ve probably heard, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Ilya Mikheyev to an entry-level contract
The Russian right-winger brings a lot of talent with him, which is why the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired him. However, when you bring him over, you start to look at the Leafs roster and think about where he slots in.
He’s a right-winger and Toronto is overloaded with them already with Mitch Marner, Kasperi Kapanen (pending both sign), and William Nylander. All three are skilled, so you ask the question, why would they sign him? One reason it could be is that he has a left-handed shot.
One thing is for sure, he definitely didn’t sign to play on the fourth line. In the KHL last season, Mikheyev had 45 points in 62 games, which is not even close to what you’d get out of the Toronto Maple Leafs fourth line. It poses a lot of interesting questions about the future of a few players.
Does this mean Andreas Johnsson or Kapanen get traded?
There’s speculation that one of the two get traded this off-season. With both players wanting a lot of money, it brings the question up. When you add Mikheyev into the mix, you’d think one of them has to be traded. Bringing in Mikheyev makes it easier for Kyle Dubas to move Johnsson or Kapanen since his contract is much cheaper. It also gives him the opportunity to have a key role on the Leafs next season.
While the Russian winger has a left-handed shot and plays on the right wing, it gives Babcock the opportunity to give him a look on both sides. However, he will most likely play on the wing where a player gets traded. And with the dyer need of a right-handed shot defenseman, it’s likely one of the two, Kapanen or Johnsson could be in a deal going the other way.
As much as this signing was expected, it didn’t seem like Johnsson or Kapanen would get moved. However, since Mikheyev will be making $925k per CapFriendly, it will be a lot cheaper than the $2-3m AAV for each player.
Did this signing make it inevitable that Babcock will return next year?
Well, yes it does. The Toronto Marlies are still in their playoff run, and unfortunately Mikheyev cannot join them. But, was Mikheyev is one of the players Babcock was referring to after the game 7 loss in Boston?
“I think we’ve got a couple of guys coming that will help us up front, for sure, and make us bigger up front.”
After the signing, it was confirmed that Babcock would return next season. Even before it was announced, it seemed obvious that this signing confirmed Babcock’s return because if the Leafs signed someone Babcock wanted, obviously it would mean he’s back.
It only took a few hours after the signing, but Babcock will be back as the Leafs head coach next season.
Mike Babcock will be back as head coach in TOR. Leaf GM Kyle Dubas, when asked about Babcock’s status:
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) May 6, 2019
“We’re all in on Mike and Mike is all in on us. We’ve had productive management meetings as an organization and Mike and I have had some really good meetings as well...
With Mikheyev and Yegor Korshkov signed, Babcock now has the bigger guys that he wanted. But, now we wait for something else. That’s the assistant coaches for next season.
Whether it’s DJ Smith and Jim Hiller, or if Keefe is behind the Leafs bench next season, Dubas wants results. It’ll be an interesting summer watching what Dubas does with the rest of the coaching staff and team. It could be a whole lot of change with players and staff, or it may not be.
However, we will have to wait until October to see the full team, and even longer to see which players get called up as they get ready for another playoff run.
All fans are hoping for a different playoffs, but if we do end up getting the same stubborn coach, this could potentially be Babcock’s last season behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench.