Ivan Miroshnichenko has lengthy been among the many most fascinating prospects I’ve tracked through the years. On Thursday night time, he’s anticipated to make a season debut with the Washington Capitals after being referred to as up amid the damage to captain Alex Ovechkin.
Whereas the damage to Ovechkin opened the door for a call-up maybe a bit sooner than anticipated, there’s been growing proof that Miroshnichenko is nearer to able to be a full-time contributor to the Capitals.
When you think about the journey he has been on as a prospect, the truth that at 20 years outdated he has put himself on this place is outstanding.
Miroshnichenko was beforehand considered as one of many best possible prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft primarily based on his performances as a U16 and U17 participant internationally. His energy and scoring means had been notable belongings that almost all NHL groups would covet.
Nonetheless, throughout Miroshnichenko’s draft season, he was recognized with Hodgkins lymphoma and needed to take a step again from hockey whereas present process therapy. His prognosis was good and inside just a few months and regular therapy, the then-teenager may verify off crucial victory of his younger profession.
Amid his therapy, the Capitals nonetheless noticed sufficient of his potential regardless of the dangers related along with his prognosis and drafted him twentieth total within the 2022 NHL Draft. The membership had a full understanding that there was going to be a highway to restoration, not simply to regain his well being, however to rebuild his sport.
Miroshnichenko beat most cancers, returned to motion and after one season again residence in Russia enjoying for Omsk within the KHL, he made the soar to North America.
Over the past two seasons, Miroshnichenko has completed lots. He performed in 21 video games with the Capitals in 2023-24, registering six factors together with his first two NHL targets. Whereas he confirmed he may hold, there was a lot extra for him to study so the Caps despatched the budding star to Hershey.
Underneath the tutelage of Todd Nelson, one of many high coaches within the AHL, Miroshnichenko’s sport has grown. He’s change into extra dedicated away from the puck and has understood the significance of enjoying within the defensive zone.
In 47 video games with Hershey through the common season, Miroshnichenko had a modest 25 factors. He actually appeared to come back alive within the playoffs, although. In 20 video games, he had 12 factors together with seven targets, in serving to lead Hershey to its second straight Calder Cup title.
This season, he’s taken one other step. With elevated energy, getting extra snug in his environment and having a extra full method to his sport, Miroshnichenko has been among the many finest younger prospects competing within the AHL this season.
By way of his first 16 video games, he put up 14 factors together with seven targets. His shot is deadly and his means to get to the inside and play with extra energy is making him more practical. He is additionally discovered extra consistency in his game-to-game efficiency, which Nelson stated could be a essential piece to his path to the NHL.
FloHockey just lately caught up with Miroshnichenko to get an replace on his well being, learn how he felt about his run to the Calder Cup and what he has discovered to assist him change into a full-time NHL participant. Be sure to benefit from the full characteristic embedded above as we hear from Miroshnichenko, Todd Nelson, and teammates Mike Vecchione and Matt Strome, amongst others, on this FloHockey unique.
Miroshnichenko and the Capitals are set to tackle the Colorado Avalanche Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. The sport additionally marks Washington’s Hockey Fights Most cancers night time, making it solely extra becoming that Miroshnichenko will make his season debut in entrance of the house crowd.
In the meantime, you’ll be able to catch the Hershey Bears proper right here on FloHockey all season lengthy together with this weekend because the defending champs tackle the Rochester People Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET
2024 Hershey Bears vs Rochester People
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