Ilya Mikheyev, Toronto Maple Leafs (Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports)
Toronto Maple Leafs winger, Ilya Mikheyev, enjoyed a productive rookie season in 2019-2020, but after a statistically disappointing 2020-21 season, many fans are hesitant about his future.
Ilya Mikheyev seemed to come out of nowhere. Most Toronto Maple Leafs fans hadn’t heard of the 6’3″ winger when he played for his hometown, Avangard Omsk, in Russia. Mikheyev was known in the KHL for his his excellent two-way play and earned a Golden Helmet during the league’s award ceremony after the 2018-19 season.
Winning a Golden Helmet in the KHL is similar to being named a first team All-Star in the NHL.