Canucks' Mikheyev leaves training camp for personal reasons
The Russian winger has left Vancouver Canucks training camp according to the team, but is expected to return within the coming days.
Vancouver Canucks winger Ilya Mikheyev has left the team’s training camp for personal reasons.
While the team neglected to share details, reports from around the organization, as well as word from agent Dan Millstein, clarified that Mikheyev is only expected to be gone for a “few days” and that it’s “nothing serious.”
Mikheyev's agent @hockeyagent1 expects him to return to #Canucks camp in "a few days." Says "nothing serious."
— Matthew Sekeres (@mattsekeres) September 21, 2023
CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal added that the absence is family-related and that Mikheyev is fine.
With that said, the immediate and medium-term future remains a bit fuzzy for Mikheyev and the Canucks.
The Canucks shut down Mikheyev for last season in late January after allowing him to play 46 games with an almost-fully torn ACL in his left knee. He underwent surgery for the injury in early February, defending the team’s decision to let him play, as GM Patrik Allvin described it “on one knee.”
I understand there is a lot of debate about my decision to play with an ACL injury. Here are the facts: when I was injured in the preseason, I went through several tests and realized I could play without causing any more damage. That’s what I wanted to do.
— Ilya Mikheyev (@Souperman65) January 28, 2023
Allvin said that Mikheyev has “done a tremendous job this offseason in his rehab,” yet the initial plan was for him to begin training camp in a non-contact jersey.
The Canucks kick off their preseason schedule against the Calgary Flames on Sunday, the first of six preseason tuneups before they begin their regular season. They'll be doing so at Rogers Arena when they play host to the Edmonton Oilers to open their campaign on Oct. 11.
It’s unclear how this leave may affect Mikheyev’s ability to participate in any preseason games, or even be ready for the regular season. Even without disruptions, it can take players time to recover from a significant knee injury.
At the moment, Cap Friendly lists Mikheyev on injured reserve, alongside defenseman Tucker Poolman currently listed on LTIR and not expected to play this season. Mikheyev’s $4.75 million cap hit runs through the 2025-26 season, and his contract includes a 12-team no-trade clause.
Although the Canucks face even bigger questions regarding their future — including Elias Pettersson entering a contract year — they may need to wait for more clarity regarding Mikheyev early this season.
