Ivan Miroshnichenko has lengthy been among the many most fascinating prospects I’ve tracked over time. On Thursday evening, 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When you think about the journey he has been on as a prospect, the truth that at 20 years outdated he has put himself on this place is exceptional.
Miroshnichenko was beforehand considered as one of many best possible prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft based mostly on his performances as a U16 and U17 participant internationally. His energy and scoring potential had been notable belongings that the majority NHL groups would covet.
Nevertheless, throughout Miroshnichenko’s draft season, he was identified with Hodgkins lymphoma and needed to take a step again from hockey whereas present process therapy. His prognosis was good and inside a number of months and regular therapy, the then-teenager may test off a very powerful 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 recreation.
Miroshnichenko beat most cancers, returned to motion and after one season again house in Russia enjoying for Omsk within the KHL, he made the leap to North America.
During the last two seasons, Miroshnichenko has achieved 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 grasp, there was loads extra for him to be taught so the Caps despatched the budding star to Hershey.
Below the tutelage of Todd Nelson, one of many high coaches within the AHL, Miroshnichenko’s recreation has grown. He’s turn out to be extra dedicated away from the puck and has understood the significance of enjoying within the defensive zone.
In 47 video games with Hershey in the course of 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 comfy in his environment and having a extra full strategy to his recreation, Miroshnichenko has been among the many greatest younger prospects competing within the AHL this season.
By means of his first 16 video games, he put up 14 factors together with seven targets. His shot is deadly and his potential 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 mentioned could be a vital piece to his path to the NHL.
FloHockey not too long ago 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 turn out to be a full-time NHL participant. Ensure that to benefit from the full function 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 evening, making it solely extra becoming that Miroshnichenko will make his season debut in entrance of the house crowd.
In the meantime, you may 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
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