Are you basically just giving him away for free for cap reasons?

I genuinely don’t know what to do with him.

I know he’s a skilled player but does he fit with what we currently have? Who do we remove to bring him in?

I'd look to trade him for an asset back to someone who needs help penalty killing. Someone like Winnipeg.

You really would rather play Nick Ritchie every night instead.

I’m no fan of Ritchie but I don’t he’ll be tradeable unless we add a sweetener for him.

Would you rather play someone who doesn't want to be there than Ritchie? Would you rather play Mikheyev in the top 6 than Kerfoot or Bunting?

Leafs best asset right now has been there depth. Which is hilarious for what everyone said in the off-season. Injuries can strike at anytime. So unless they are absolutely forced to. Keep him and everyone. Due to the likelihood of injuries, I predict the leafs won’t hit cap issues.

If the Leafs can fit in Mikheyev for cap reasons, keep him. Injuries happen and who do the Leafs have that are better? It's the same with all the Dermot and Holl trades. They are capable and no reason to trade them unless you can get something better.

You could always trade Mrazek 🤷‍♂️

When Mrazek and Mikheyev return and the Leafs need to open up cap space, it will likely be Engvall who gets moved (unless Kase is going to be out for a little bit). Mikheyev would take Engvall's spot and maybe play some 2PP.

Engvall has played well, and should have enough of a market to get the Leafs something in return, but I think Keefe is fine with the Leafs moving on from him if he is just going to sit in the press box.

Yes.

If Mikheyev came back and fit in with M&M, Bunting on the 4th line makes them a much better/deeper team.

Mikheyev wanting out is overblown. He wanted a bigger role, letting it leak is one way for an agent to steer the team to give him a chance in the top 6.

Know who else would be great in the top 6? Literally anyone who fit in with Marner and Matthews but thats not how it works. Mikheyev hasn't been able to find success in that role for 2 seasons now since his original injury despite having every opportunity.

I would trade Ritchie to CHI for Strome.

Mikheyev has barely played with Matthews.

He's been tried with Tavares and Nylander often enough, but not much on the top line.

The fact that Ritchie hasn't worked, Mikheyev if healthy still has a big chance to have an impact as a Top 9 player on the Leafs.

Would be foolish to toss him away.

When Mikheyev comes back he will be on the third line with Kampf and Kase and if he plays well then he may get Kerfoots spot in the top 6