Toronto Maple Leafs winger Ilya Mikheyev remains on track to return from a wrist injury before the end of the season, Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports.
Mikheyev — who skated for the first time since the injury on Monday — was cut on the wrist by a skate in a Dec. 27 game against the New Jersey Devils. He had surgery on his wrist shortly after and was expected to miss approximately 90 days while recovering.
In an interview with Johnston shortly after the surgery, Mikheyev’s agent Dan Milstein credited Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas for helping the rookie — who is still learning English — navigate this difficult time.
“Kyle went above and beyond his duty,” Milstein said. “…caring for somebody and treating people like this doesn’t cost any money. Showing support, showing you care, is about a lot more than money.”
Before the injury, Mikheyev was enjoying a productive campaign for the Maple Leafs. In 39 games, the 25-year-old had eight goals and 23 points with a plus-seven rating.
In other Maple Leafs news, the club recalled forward Pontus Aberg from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on Monday. Aberg has appeared in three NHL games this season and leads the Marlies in scoring with 38 points in 43 games.
Additionally, captain John Tavares and defenceman Justin Holl missed practice due to an illness, while Zach Hyman and Kyle Clifford also weren’t on the ice.
Injured goaltender Frederik Andersen did participate in practice and is eligible to come off injured reserve Tuesday if all goes well.
The Maple Leafs return to action Tuesday against the Arizona Coyotes.
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