Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Grades 2019-20 Regular Season

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 17: Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a faceoff against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on December 17, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3.(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 19: Ilya Mikheyev #65 of the Toronto Maple Leafs . (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images). /

Ilya Mikheyev

No One Could have foreseen the impact that Ilya Mikheyev would have on the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Signed for around the league minimum on a one-year contract after leaving the KHL, Mikheyev was touted as one of the best hockey players not in the NHL, but still, you never know what you’re going to get.

Eight goals and 23 points in 39 games before a horrific laceration from a skate ended his season. The production was good, but doesn’t tell the whole story.

Mikheyev posted a 53% CF, and a 53% expected goals rating, while being worth an incredible 2.3 WAR.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will hopefully sign Mikheyev to an extension, but the question is how much do you want to pay for auxiliary forwards at this point?

If the Leafs can get him back at anything below $2 million, it would be great. If he is looking for money money or a longer term, the Leafs may have to turn to Nick Robertson and Alex Barabanov.

The injury was unfortunate, but Mikheyev, by being worth over 2 wins provided amazing value and was a great addition to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

. ILYA MIKHEYEV. A+. . LW

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