Last Updated on November 11, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Ilya Mikheyev is a Russian professional ice hockey player known for his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on October 10, 1994, in Omsk, Russia, Mikheyev has established himself as a hardworking two-way forward.
Beyond hockey, Ilya Mikheyev is a husband and father. He is married to Kristina Shcherba, and the couple welcomed a child in December 2025.
His parents are Andrey and Natalya Mikheyev, and he has at least one sister. His grandmother also played an important role in his childhood, helping him attend hockey practices while his parents worked.
Here is a closer look at Ilya Mikheyev’s wife, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Wife: Who Is Kristina Shcherba?
Ilya Mikheyev is married to Kristina Shcherba, a Russian woman originally from Omsk, Siberia.
The couple began dating before Mikheyev established himself in the NHL. Their relationship became publicly known during his final years with Avangard Omsk in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
In May 2019, Kristina accompanied Mikheyev to a KHL end-of-season ceremony, attracting attention from Russian sports publications.
When Mikheyev signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in May 2019, Kristina moved to Canada with him.
During an October 2019 interview with Match TV, Mikheyev confirmed that his girlfriend was living with him in Toronto. He explained that they had experienced difficulties finding an apartment because many properties were rented without furniture.
The couple eventually settled near the Maple Leafs’ home arena.
Kristina continued supporting Mikheyev throughout his professional career, including his subsequent moves to Vancouver and Chicago.
What Does Kristina Shcherba Do?
Kristina Shcherba has a background in gymnastics and higher education.
According to an October 2020 profile published by Narcity, Kristina’s social media biography indicated that she had been involved in rhythmic gymnastics.
The publication also reported that she held a bachelor’s degree in construction and a master’s degree in engineering.
During her time in Toronto, Kristina occasionally shared photographs of herself and Mikheyev visiting Canadian attractions, including Niagara Falls and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Although she has appeared in lifestyle coverage, Kristina generally maintains a relatively private life.
Her current professional activities have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources.
When Did Ilya Mikheyev and Kristina Shcherba Get Married?
Ilya Mikheyev and Kristina Shcherba married on August 10, 2021, in Omsk, Russia.
Their wedding was reported by Russian regional newspaper SuperOmsk on August 12, 2021.
According to the publication, Kristina shared wedding photographs through her Instagram account, confirming that the couple had officially registered their marriage.
Mikheyev reportedly wore a light-colored suit for the ceremony, while Kristina carried a bouquet of white roses.
The wedding took place during the NHL offseason, allowing the couple to celebrate in their hometown.
In February 2025, Mikheyev again publicly referred to Kristina as his wife during an interview with Sport-Express.
He explained that they had traveled together to Chicago following his trade from the Vancouver Canucks to find accommodation and prepare for their relocation.
Does Ilya Mikheyev Have Children?
Yes. Ilya Mikheyev has at least one publicly confirmed child with his wife, Kristina.
The couple welcomed a baby in December 2025 while Mikheyev was playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.
The birth was reported by North American hockey journalists after Mikheyev temporarily stepped away from the team for family reasons.
Ilya Mikheyev’s First Publicly Confirmed Child
In late December 2025, Mikheyev missed two Chicago Blackhawks games because of the birth of his child.
On December 28, 2025, CBS Sports, citing reporting from Chicago Sun-Times journalist Ben Pope, confirmed that the Russian forward had been absent because his baby had recently been born.
His absence included games against the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins.
On December 29, CBS Sports reported that Mikheyev had returned to practice and was expected to resume playing.
The news confirmed an important new milestone in his personal life.
Although the baby’s arrival was publicly reported, reliable sports publications have not established the child’s name, gender, or exact date of birth.
There is also insufficient public information to determine whether the couple has any additional children.
Therefore, one child born in December 2025 is the minimum publicly confirmed family information.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Parents
Ilya Mikheyev was born to Andrey Mikheyev and Natalya Mikheyeva in Omsk, Russia.
His parents raised him in the Siberian city and supported his interest in ice hockey from an early age.
Biographical reporting identifies Andrey as a legal professional and Natalya as having worked in private business.
Although neither parent pursued a professional hockey career, both encouraged their son to participate in sports.
Mikheyev has repeatedly acknowledged their support and described his family as one of his greatest priorities.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Father: Andrey Mikheyev
Andrey Mikheyev is Ilya Mikheyev’s father.
Biographical information associated with a December 2019 profile by The Athletic identifies Andrey as a lawyer and lecturer in legal education.
Despite his professional responsibilities, Andrey supported his son’s sporting ambitions.
In a November 2014 interview with the Russian Supreme Hockey League, Ilya explained that his parents initially enrolled him in swimming and gymnastics.
However, he struggled with illness during those activities. When they introduced him to ice hockey, he enjoyed the sport and continued training.
According to Mikheyev, neither parent had significant personal experience playing hockey.
Nevertheless, they recognized his enthusiasm and supported his development.
In January 2019, Mikheyev described spending the New Year holiday with his parents in Omsk.
He revealed that the family traditionally prepared duck because it was one of his father’s favorite dishes.
The comments offered a glimpse into the family’s traditions and close relationships.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Mother: Natalya Mikheyeva
Natalya Mikheyeva is Ilya Mikheyev’s mother.
Published biographical accounts identify her as having worked in a managerial role at a private company.
She helped raise Ilya in Omsk while balancing her professional responsibilities.
Although Natalya has largely remained outside mainstream sports media coverage, her role in supporting his childhood hockey development is publicly documented.
During an interview with Avangard Omsk, Ilya explained that his parents worked during the day, meaning his grandmother frequently helped transport him to practices.
Natalya has also visited her son during his professional career in North America.
In a March 2020 interview with Sport-Express, Mikheyev explained that his parents had traveled to Canada while he was recovering from a serious wrist injury sustained during an NHL game.
He said spending time with them had helped him through a difficult period.
The visit reflected the family’s continued support despite the distance between Russia and North America.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Siblings: Does He Have a Brother or Sister?
Ilya Mikheyev has publicly confirmed having at least one sister.
He has mentioned her in several interviews discussing his childhood, family gatherings, and visits from relatives.
However, her name and other personal details have not been reliably established in major hockey publications.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Sister
Mikheyev’s sister is an important member of his family.
In January 2019, the Russian publication Championat reported that Mikheyev had spent the New Year holiday with his parents, aunt, and grandmother in Omsk.
During the interview, he expressed disappointment that his sister had been unable to attend the family celebration.
His comments confirmed that she was part of his close family circle.
In February 2025, Mikheyev discussed another memorable family occasion during an interview with Sport-Express.
He revealed that his sister had traveled to North America to visit him during the summer of 2024.
It was their first meeting in approximately five years.
They spent about a month together before Mikheyev completed his relocation from Vancouver to Chicago.
The visit was particularly meaningful because the demands of professional hockey and international travel had kept the siblings apart.
Mikheyev also acknowledged that his sister had helped him with shopping and other personal matters during his earlier years in Russia.
Although these interviews establish their close relationship, reliable information about his sister’s age, occupation, and marital status remains limited.
Does Ilya Mikheyev Have a Brother?
There are no reliably verified public reports identifying a brother of Ilya Mikheyev.
Some secondary biographies have referred to multiple sisters, but the player’s own interviews clearly confirm only that he has at least one sister.
Consequently, the complete number of his siblings remains unconfirmed.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Grandmother and Extended Family
One of the most influential people in Ilya Mikheyev’s childhood was his grandmother.
During an interview published by Avangard Omsk in 2019, Mikheyev explained that his grandmother played an important role in helping him pursue hockey.
Because his parents were busy working, she frequently accompanied him to training sessions.
She traveled across Omsk with him using public transportation, sometimes sacrificing time she would otherwise have spent at her countryside property.
Mikheyev expressed deep appreciation for her dedication, explaining that he would not have achieved the same success without her help.
His grandmother maintained a summer cottage near Ostashkovo, outside Omsk.
In February 2025, Mikheyev discussed how much he missed visiting her and helping with gardening.
His agent, Dan Milstein, had previously described Mikheyev as someone who enjoyed returning to Russia to help his grandmother with her garden.
The tradition reflected his close connection to his family and hometown.
Mikheyev has also mentioned spending time with his aunt and other relatives during visits to Russia.
Ilya Mikheyev’s Family Background and Childhood
Ilya Andreyevich Mikheyev was born on October 10, 1994, in Omsk, Russia.
He grew up in the Moskovka area on the outskirts of Omsk.
His parents initially encouraged him to participate in different sporting activities, including swimming, gymnastics, football, and hockey.
However, ice hockey eventually became his primary interest.
He began developing his skills through the youth hockey system of Avangard Omsk.
During childhood, he frequently played on outdoor rinks with other local children.
His grandmother helped him attend structured training sessions, while his parents encouraged him to balance hockey with education.
Mikheyev later progressed through the Russian junior hockey system and played for the Omskie Yastreby.
He also gained professional experience with several Russian teams before establishing himself with Avangard Omsk in the KHL.
During the 2018–19 season, Mikheyev recorded 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 62 KHL games.
His performances attracted attention from NHL organizations.
On May 6, 2019, he signed an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs as an undrafted free agent.
Mikheyev made his NHL debut on October 2, 2019, scoring his first goal against the Ottawa Senators.
His career subsequently included spells with the Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks.
On July 1, 2026, he signed a four-year, $15.4 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite his international hockey career, Mikheyev has continued expressing affection for Omsk and his family members who remain in Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilya Mikheyev’s Family
Who is Ilya Mikheyev’s wife?
Ilya Mikheyev is married to Kristina Shcherba, a Russian woman from Omsk. The couple married on August 10, 2021.
Is Ilya Mikheyev married?
Yes. Ilya Mikheyev married his longtime girlfriend, Kristina Shcherba, in Omsk, Russia, in August 2021.
Does Ilya Mikheyev have children?
Yes. Mikheyev and his wife welcomed a baby in December 2025. The birth was confirmed by North American hockey reporting after he missed two Chicago Blackhawks games.
What is Ilya Mikheyev’s child’s name?
The child’s name has not been reliably confirmed in public reports.
Who are Ilya Mikheyev’s parents?
His parents are Andrey Mikheyev and Natalya Mikheyeva. They raised him in Omsk, Russia.
Who is Ilya Mikheyev’s father?
Andrey Mikheyev is his father. Biographical reporting identifies him as a lawyer and legal educator.
Who is Ilya Mikheyev’s mother?
Natalya Mikheyeva is his mother. She has been identified in published biographical accounts as having worked in private business.
Does Ilya Mikheyev have siblings?
Yes. Mikheyev has publicly confirmed having at least one sister, who visited him in North America during the summer of 2024.
Does Ilya Mikheyev have a brother?
No brother has been reliably identified in publicly available interviews or official biographies.
Where is Ilya Mikheyev’s family from?
His family comes from Omsk, Russia. Mikheyev grew up in the Moskovka area of the city.
Who helped Ilya Mikheyev during his childhood?
His parents and grandmother supported his hockey development. His grandmother regularly accompanied him to practices using public transportation while his parents worked.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
