Ilya Mikheyev’s defensive brilliance has become crucial for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks may have fallen short against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night, but one of the biggest storylines from the game wasn’t the score; it was Ilya Mikheyev’s injury scare. The speedy winger left the ice early in the third period after a hard collision into the boards while killing a penalty. Though head coach Jeff Blashill listed him as day-to-day after the game, the sight of Mikheyev walking out of the United Center without any visible bandages or a sling was a reassuring sign.

That’s good news for Chicago, because Ilya Mikheyev isn’t just another player. He’s quietly become one of the most valuable defensive wingers in the entire NHL, and his absence would be a major blow to a Blackhawks team that’s finally starting to find its rhythm early in the 2025 season.

 Ilya Mikheyev’s speed and defensive value

When Mikheyev is on the ice, his speed and defensive instincts change the way the Chicago Blackhawks play. According to NHL EDGE stats, through last Thursday’s game in Tampa, Mikheyev’s 27 recorded speed bursts between 20 and 22 mph rank him in the 95th percentile across the NHL. That kind of skating speed makes him a constant threat, both offensively and defensively.

It wasn’t always this way. During his injury-filled seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, Mikheyev struggled to find his form after tearing his ACL in January 2023. That injury not only sidelined him for months but also affected his confidence and stride on the ice. Vancouver eventually traded him, along with a 2027 second-round pick, to the Blackhawks in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The move turned out to be a huge win for Chicago, especially with Vancouver retaining 15 percent of his salary.

By the 2024–25 season, Mikheyev had rediscovered his legs and his confidence. He scored 20 goals and tallied 34 points, the best season of his NHL career, and even received a Selke Trophy vote, an award traditionally dominated by centers like Patrice Bergeron and Anze Kopitar. For a winger to be recognized as one of the league’s best defensive forwards is rare, and that single vote spoke volumes about the respect Mikheyev earned among coaches and analysts.

The Blackhawks’ penalty kill weapon

Through Sunday’s game against the Kings, the Chicago Blackhawks have spent over an hour (60:39) on the penalty kill across nine games, and Mikheyev has been on the ice for more than 60 percent of that time (36:30). That’s a staggering number for a forward. The next closest Blackhawks forward, Teuvo Teräväinen, has logged 21:43 short-handed.

Mikheyev’s 4:03 of short-handed ice time per game leads all NHL forwards by nearly 30 seconds more than the next player. His total short-handed time on ice also leads the entire league, proving just how much faith the coaching staff has in his defensive play.

But Mikheyev doesn’t just defend; he creates chances even when down a man. According to NHL.com, he’s generated six short-handed shot attempts and three shots on goal, ranking him third in the NHL for short-handed offense behind Calgary’s Blake Coleman and Montreal’s Jake Evans. That ability to flip the script and attack while defending is what makes him so special.

Thanks in large part to Mikheyev’s defensive impact, the Blackhawks’ penalty kill currently ranks 10th in the NHL at 85 percent. Opponents have scored six power-play goals against Chicago, but only half of those have come while Mikheyev was on the ice, a testament to how effective he is in shutting down top power-play units.

At even strength, his numbers are just as impressive. Among players with at least eight games played, Mikheyev’s on-ice goals-for percentage (85.7%) ranks fourth in the NHL, showing how dominant the Blackhawks are when he’s out there.

The unsung hero Chicago needed

In many ways, Mikheyev represents exactly what the Chicago Blackhawks need as they transition from rebuilding to competing. His defensive reliability gives the team structure. His speed provides energy on the forecheck and penalty kill. And his experience offers stability to a lineup featuring young stars like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.

If Mikheyev’s injury truly is minor, Chicago fans can breathe easy. His presence has allowed the coaching staff to balance ice time more effectively, freeing up offensive players to focus on generating chances while Mikheyev anchors the defensive side.

Simply put, Mikheyev has become the Blackhawks’ silent MVP early in the season. If he continues to play at this level and stays healthy, there’s a real chance he could earn far more than a single Selke vote this year.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/ilya-mikheyev-defensive-impact-chicago-blackhawks-2025