Mikheyev Offersheet

Team: 2020-21 Colorado Avalanche

Initial Creation Date: May 20, 2020

Published: May 20, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Most Toronto AGM's have Mikheyev being resigned for somewhere around $1.5m - $2m, which is clearly a substantial underpayment based on his performance this season. This underpayment would be largely motivated by Toronto's cap squeeze, and thus presents an opportunity to a team like Colorado who have plenty of capspace to take advantage of cap teams with.


****** Mikheyev Stats ******

Mikheyev played only 39 games this season, but he did put up 23 points for a 48 point pace. What's particularly impressive is that he did that with only 13:34 ice time, and no PP time.

He has excellent possession stats this season, such as:
- 54.2 FF% which is 1st among all Toronto skaters with at least 20 games.
- 54.6 CF% which is 2nd on the Leafs and 23rd in the NHL among forwards with at least 20 games.

Mikheyev is also an excellent PKer, ranking 2nd in SH TOI for Toronto this season (1:55).

Overall Mikheyev is a big boy (6'3'', 194lb); skates very well; and is good on the forecheck and backcheck.


***** Fit with Colorado *******

Based on the aforementioned stats and player traits, he's likely a player that is on Sakic's radar, given that Sakic loves to acquire players with great underlying stats (eg. Donskoi, Nichuskin, Burakovsky) - especially when they may be available at lower than market value.

In terms of Colorado's roster, they need a top 6 forward as well as help on the PK. As a big and fast two-way playmaker Mikheyev would fit well on a line with Kadri and Burakovsky, and he would also replace Nieto on Colorado's first PK unit. He could potentially also play on a line with fellow Russian Nichuskin which would make him feel at home.

Signing Mikheyev to a $3m x 3 year offersheet ensures that he gets closer to his market value than he would likely get with Toronto, and some term also gives him financial security.

From Colorado's perspective, they would only be giving up a 2021 2nd as compensation, and the 3 year term would ensures that they maintain roster flexibility in 2023 when Mackinnon's contract is up.

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