Blackhawks Acquire Mikheyev, Lafferty from Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks traded forward Ilya Mikheyev, the signing rights to forward Sam Lafferty, and a 2025 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, with Vancouver retaining 15% of Mikheyev's salary. Mikheyev, who waived his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, had 31 points in 78 games last season. This trade allowed the Canucks to free up significant cap space, which they utilized to re-sign forward Dakota Joshua and defenseman Tyler Myers. The Blackhawks view Mikheyev as a reclamation project who, if he regains his form, could become a valuable middle-six forward. Lafferty, who previously played for Chicago, is expected to negotiate a new contract with the team.