MOSCOW, July 19, Vasily Bogdanov. Russian striker Ilya Mikheev explained the choice in in favor of the National Hockey League (NHL) Vancouver Canucks with great opportunities to reach their potential. In the last regular season, the Russian played 53 games, in which he scored 32 points (21 goals and 11 assists), in the playoffs, the forward played seven games and scored 4 points (2+2). The season was the most productive for Mikheev in the NHL. «It was clear that my contract was ending. I wanted a long-term agreement — not for a year or two, besides, I understand what the situation with the Toronto roster is. Vancouver I had initially not even in the top five, but gradually the options were eliminated. Vancouver is an opportunity to reach a new level. Toronto will always remain in the heart. The first team that you will never forget. Good relations with everyone there. I may have been I’d be happy to stay, but it happened,” Mikheev told reporters. “We spoke the same language with Vancouver. It’s a great place to live, everyone here is a fan of hockey. New management has arrived, the second part of the season the team went well. I see its potential «I understand how she will use me. I hope we will show results together. I spoke with the general manager, he explained his vision. In Vancouver, I have more opportunities to reveal my potential, more in the attacking zone. Everyone understands that in Toronto «It's harder to do that,» he added.
