Two players from the Chicago Blackhawks have received attention ahead of NHL free agency. Ilya Mikheyev and Matt Grzelcyk both appeared in Chris Johnston’s latest ranking of the NHL’s top 75 pending unrestricted free agents.

With July 1 approaching after the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup, teams around the league are closely studying this year’s free-agent market.

The class may not feature many superstar players, but it still includes several valuable options. Mikheyev came in at No. 31 on Johnston’s list, showing that he could draw significant interest if he becomes a free agent.

The veteran winger has quietly become one of the more reliable secondary scorers for the Chicago Blackhawks. After two solid seasons with Chicago, Ilya Mikheyev enters the offseason with strong momentum.

The 31-year-old scored 18 goals and set a career high with 36 points in 77 games during the 2025–26 season. He also continued to provide dependable defensive play.

That mix of offense and two-way ability could make him an appealing target for playoff contenders looking to improve their middle-six forward group.

In a free-agent market filled with supporting players rather than superstar talent, Mikheyev’s consistency could help him stand out.

His ranking ahead of several well-known veterans on Chris Johnston’s list suggests that interest around the league could be strong if he does not sign an extension with Chicago.

Grzelcyk receives recognition despite difficult season

While Ilya Mikheyev earned his ranking after a strong season, Matt Grzelcyk reached No. 67 on the list for different reasons.

The 32-year-old defenseman had a difficult season with the Chicago Blackhawks. He finished with no goals, 12 assists, and a minus-9 rating in 69 games.

Even so, Chris Johnston appears to have looked at Grzelcyk’s overall NHL track record rather than judging him only on his latest season.

Just one year earlier, Grzelcyk had the best offensive season of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 2024–25 season, he scored one goal and set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points, showing that he can still help offensively from the blue line.

That strong season could make Matt Grzelcyk an interesting low-risk target for teams looking for experienced depth on defense. With many clubs expected to search for affordable veteran defensemen in free agency, he could still attract interest despite his difficult season in Chicago.

As July 1 gets closer, both Ilya Mikheyev and Grzelcyk will be players to watch. Their next contracts should provide a clearer picture of how NHL teams value their skills and what role they see for them moving forward.

What are your views? Will Mikheyev or Grzelcyk secure the more impactful contract when NHL free agency opens? Comment down below. 

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Ankita Yadav