Ivan Miroshnichenko has long been among the most interesting prospects I've followed over the years. On Thursday night, he is expected to make his season debut for the Washington Capitals after being called up amid an injury to captain Alex Ovechkin.
While Ovechkin's injury opened the door for him to be called up perhaps sooner than expected, there has been growing evidence that Miroshnichenko is close to being ready to be a full-time contributor for the Capitals.
If you look at the journey he has taken as a prospect, the fact that he has put himself in this position at the age of 20 is remarkable.
Miroshnichenko was previously considered one of the best prospects in the 2022 NHL Draft based on his performances as a U16 and U17 player around the world. His power and scoring ability were a notable asset that many NHL teams could covet.
However, during Miroshnichenko's draft season, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma and had to take a step back from hockey while he was treated. His prognosis was good and within a few months and intensive treatment, the youngster at the time could test the most important victory of his young career.
During his treatment, the Capitals saw enough of his potential despite the risks associated with his diagnosis and drafted him 20th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. The team fully understood that there would be a road to recovery, not just to restore his health, but to rebuild his game.
Miroshnichenko beat cancer, returned to action and after one season back home in Russia playing for Omsk in the KHL, made the jump to North America.
In the last two seasons, Miroshnichenko has achieved a lot. He played 21 games with the Capitals in 2023-24, registering six points including his first two NHL goals. While he showed he could hang, there was a lot to learn from the Caps sending the rising star to Hershey.
Under the tutelage of Todd Nelson, one of the top coaches in the AHL, Miroshnichenko's game has grown. He is very dedicated away from the puck and understands the importance of playing in the defensive position.
In 47 games with Hershey during the regular season, Miroshnichenko had a modest 25 points. He really seemed to come alive in the playoffs, though. In 20 games, he had 12 points, including seven goals, in helping lead Hershey to its second consecutive Calder Cup title.
This season, he has taken it one step further. With increased strength, more comfort in his position and a more complete approach to his game, Miroshnichenko has been among the best young prospects competing in the AHL this season.
In his first 16 games, he put up 14 points including seven goals. His shooting is lethal and his ability to get inside and play with more energy makes him very successful. He also found more consistency in his game-to-game performance, which Nelson said will be a key piece on his NHL path.
FloHockey recently caught up with Miroshnichenko to get an update on his life, find out how he felt about his Calder Cup run and what he learned to help him become a full-time NHL player. Be sure to enjoy the full feature embedded above as we hear from Miroshnichenko, Todd Nelson, and teammates Mike Vecchione and Matt Strome, among others, in this FloHockey original.
Miroshnichenko and the Capitals are scheduled to face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday at 6 pm ET. The game also marks Washington's Hockey Fights Cancer night, making it all the more appropriate for Miroshnichenko to make his season debut in front of a home crowd.
Meanwhile, you can catch the Hershey Bears right here on FloHockey all season including this weekend as the defending champions take on the Rochester Americans on Friday at 7:05 pm ET.
2024 Hershey Bears vs Rochester Americans
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