The Vancouver Canucks announced late on Friday night that forward
Ilya Mikheyev will not play the rest to the 2022-23 season due to a torn ACL suffered in preseason.
The announcement did not go over too smoothly with fans. In the wake of the
Tanner Pearson injury news, fans were vocally critical of the organization's decision to play Mikheyev through an ACL-tear suffered nearly five months ago.
That is a legitimate criticism, especially when there was already concerns over the competency of the team's medical staff with regards to
Tanner Pearson. Mikheyev spoke with media and released a thread on Twitter, maintaining that he never felt pressured to play through the injury at any point.
Mikheyev writes:
"I understand there is a lot of debate about my decision to play with an ACL injury. Here are the facts: when I was injured in the preseason, I went through several tests and realized I could play without causing any more damage. That's what I wanted to do.
Twice per week, we consulted with team doctors about how things were progressing. Never did I feel pressure, never did I feel worse. It was my decision. Finally it reached a point where I wanted to be ready on time for next year.
If I continued to play, I wouldn't be ready for training camp. I appreciate everyone's concern, but I have no complaints with the way this was handled."
According to Elliotte Friedman, Mikheyev is expected to be fully healthy for next season's training camp.
After signing a 4-year, $19 million contract this past summer, Mikheyev managed 13 goals, 15 assists and a +3 rating for the Canucks in 46 games. Not too bad for a guy playing through a torn ACL.
