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Dubas speaks publicly about negotiations with Mikheyev for the first time

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Ryan Smitheram
July 6, 2022 (5:45 PM)

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It is well known that Ilya Mikheyev is looking for a long-term deal worth $4.5-$5M+ per season. In other words, a deal that is way too rich for the Leafs, especially for a player that has one 20 goal season under his belt. Dubas has remained rather quiet regarding all of his negotiations with pending Leaf free agents, but he spoke publicly today regarding Mikheyev's contract, since it was already very public.

I think, unfortunately, it's very public, the state of talks there. Anything can change, you don't want to totally close it off, but we'll see what happens. If not (signing him) it's been a great three years for him in Toronto and it's a great story for us of a player that came as a free agent and looking to cash in. Using the resources we had, and he put in a great effort returning from injury and obviously had a great season here with us. So it's great for him and we'll continue to stay in touch with him in case the market changes.

Dubas has essentially said that at Mikheyev's current ask, he will not be returning to the Leafs, but that has been well known, especially since the Leafs told teams his rights were available. However, Dubas did not fully close the door on a return if Mikheyev doesn't get what he is looking for on the open market.