Andrei Mironov

March 2018 – Despite a decent three points in 10 NHL games, nine points in 26 AHL games, and positive +/- ratings in both leagues, Mironov’s contract hs been terminated after unconditional waivers. It seems coaching and the organization felt the North American fit was not there, and the player claims the “Russian factor” led to him not receiving a fair chance despite ample opportunity provided by injuries. He is returning to Russia, and if he comes back it wont be with Colorado after the way he was treated. Hayden Soboleski October 2017 – Mironov has been sent to the AHL for a conditioning stint. He has spent most of the season so far in the press box for educational purposes, but the organization clearly wants him to at least be on the ice. His minimal fantasy relevance this season has disappeared now that Bigras, Lindholm, and Nemeth seem to be the coach’s preferred options. He still has potential as a big-minute player, just needs time to adjust to North America. Hayden Soboleski October 2017 – Mironov has made the NHL squad out of training camp, but is expected to be rotating in and out of the press box as he fights to secure a full-time gig. He shows maturity at times, but poor decision-making too often. His poor fluency in English has become somewhat of a note, as Russian teammates are always required to translate for him in practice, and he is unable to cmomunicate well out on the ice. Hayden Soboleski May 2017 – Mironov has officially signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche. He is only worth a fantasy pick-up if you’re looking for hits or in a deep league where any NHLer is valuable. Hayden Soboleski April 2017 – All signs are pointing to Mironov coming to North America for 2017-18. He has been scouted by the Avs while playing in the KHL, and switched to an agent with more history in North America. He still lacks fantasy value outside of hits, but could provide a stable prescence for the Avs. He hasnèt signed any contract yet, as Colorado management may be taking some time to rethink their current plan. Hayden Soboleski November 2016 – Mironov remained in the KHL for another season with Dynamo Moskva. His un-noteworthy offensive output is unchanged from last season, but his ice time has gone up – he is now the team’s second-most-used defender. This is mildly promising, however given the amount of similar prospects already playing in North America, there is no real motivation by either the player or the Avalanche to bring another stay-at-home d-man into the mix. Hayden Soboleski April 2016 – Mironov played in 40 KHL games this season, where he set a career-high in points with 13 (three goals, ten assists). Fortunately, offence is not why Colorado believes he shows promise – the big defender is a crushing force as a shut-down specialist. He has representd Team Russia in U20 and U19 World Junior Championships, and given his expiring contract with Dynamo he may have the option to make the move to North America sooner rather than later. The Avalanche have a wealth of defenseman close to making the jump to pro, so Mironov is no sure-thing to be seen in the NHL soon. When he does earn a shot, he may become of fringe value in leagues counting hits and blocks, yet surprisingly does not accumulate many penalty minutes.