1. Ilya Mikheyev – 25 years old – LW/RW
2019-20 stats/career stats – 39 GP – 8 G – 15 A – 23 PTS – CF% 53.48%
At my number one and final spot I have the rookie, Ilya Mikheyev. Just like Jason Spezza the Toronto Maple Leafs need to lock up Mikheyev at all costs… but for long term instead of a one or two year deal. I think they should try and get a four year deal or more done for him if possible.
What a season this guy had this year, playing in the NHL for the first time in his career he looked like a vet despite being a rookie.
Mikeyev scored 23 points in 39 games playing on the second and third line most nights showing what he is truly capable of doing on NHL ice.
As we all know his season was cut short back in December due to a wrist injury in New Jersey, and if it wasn’t for his injury I truly think he would’ve hit the 50 point mark if he stayed on the second line or at least went back and forth from the second and third line.
Even though he has only been in Toronto for about a year now, his importance on this Maple Leafs team is huge. He can easily play up and down the lineup with anyone, he plays the penalty kill and is good at it with his stick reach, and speed, as well as he could potentially play the power play in the future as he has a high hockey IQ and can easily help set up goals on the power play and or even score some.
All in all the Toronto Maple Leafs should and need to lock up this guy for at least next season, he loves it here in Toronto and I know it’s only his first year in the NHL but I don’t think he’d rather be anywhere else than Toronto right now as the management side was tremendous towards him when he was injured and he also signed that deal with Campbells Canada! (Stats from NHL.com)
Who do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should resign out of the teams handful of players that need a contract, do you think that these three players are a must to be resigned?