Ilya Mikheyev will attract multiple suitors seeking speed and penalty-kill help ahead of free agency in two weeks.
Mikheyev Commands Mid-Term Money
Kevin Weekes reported that pending unrestricted free agent Ilya Mikheyev draws strong interest from clubs needing speed on the wing and secondary penalty-kill minutes. Kieffer Sherwood’s recent contract serves as the benchmark for a mid-term pact in the five-million-dollar range. Mikheyev posted 28 points in 72 games during the 2025-26 season while killing 1:42 per game on the penalty kill. Teams view his 31-year-old profile as a fit for a three-year bridge that keeps cap flexibility. The market for similar two-way wingers tightened after last summer’s spending spree left only four teams with meaningful cap space.
Carlson Chooses Family Over Ducks Extension
Pierre LeBrun stated that John Carlson informed Anaheim he prefers an Eastern Conference return to be closer to family. The sides discussed terms before the deadline trade but agent Rick Curran confirmed the preference in direct talks with Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek. Carlson previously negotiated a two-year eighteen-million-dollar framework with Washington that never materialized after the March trade. Four or five Eastern clubs are expected to pursue the 36-year-old defenseman whose 22:41 average ice time and power-play quarterbacking remain elite. Tampa Bay emerges as the likeliest destination should Darren Raddysh depart in free agency.
Trouba Tests Market After Anaheim Restart
Anaheim is expected to reopen negotiations with Jacob Trouba once Carlson’s departure is confirmed. Trouba’s 2025-26 numbers include 34 points and a plus-12 rating across 78 games while averaging 20:12 per contest. With free agency opening July 1 the 32-year-old may receive comparable two-year offers from three additional clubs. Trouba has signaled willingness to accept a modest discount for term yet sources indicate he will at least explore the open market. Anaheim’s defensive depth chart now hinges on retaining Trouba or pivoting to younger internal options.
Mikheyev signs a three-year pact worth 15.6 million dollars while Carlson lands a two-year extension in Tampa Bay.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.