Blackhawks learn trade return if they deal $4 million forward before deadline

The Chicago Blackhawks might still get active before Friday's NHL trade deadline.

One name in the spotlight: Ilya Mikheyev.

The Athletic's Scott Powers predicts that Mikheyev will be traded, and he adds another detail: He expects the cost in return to be approximately a third-round pick.

"The Blackhawks were hoping to re-sign Mikheyev, but after some discussions, that seems less likely now," Powers writes. "If the Blackhawks aren’t going to keep him beyond this season, they’re open to trading him. There’s expected to be some interest. The return probably won’t be huge, maybe a third-rounder, but the Blackhawks need to create roster space for more incoming young players."

MORE: Maple Leafs getting help from Flyers to trade veteran center

There is something working in the favor of Mikheyev, too. 

The Canucks are currently paying 15% of Ilya Mikheyev's salary this season already.

If the Blackhawks decide to move Mikheyev elsewhere, they can retain even more of his money, making him cheaper for an acquiring team.

Mikheyev, who will be a free agent after the season, is also listed on the trade board of The Athletic's Chris Johnston.

"A big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility with his game," Johnston wrote in his article on Monday. "He’s been deployed as a penalty-killer throughout his NHL career and is a threat to score short-handed. Not only is Mikheyev a pending UFA, 15 percent of his contract was retained by the Vancouver Canucks in a previous trade, so the cap hit on his deal is eligible to be reduced further."

At this point, it'll be more about finding another team who needs this kind of forward.

Mikheyev certainly has a solid shot of being moved by Friday's deadline.

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