Ivan Miroshnichenko

December 2024 – Miroshnichenko was sent to the AHL to start the season with Jakub Vrana and Hendrix Lapierre making the roster, while Miroshnichenko also does not need waivers to play in Hershey. He really has played extremely well for the Bears with 14 points in 16 games. With an injury to Ovechkin the Capitals called Miroshnichenko up and he has played in five games so far, floating all over the roster. He has three points in the five games he has played, but still does not seem 100% confident in his ability and could use more aggression in battles. Miroshnichenko will likely spend most of 2024-25 in the AHL (barring injuries) but expect him to make an impact in 2025-26. Pat Quinn

June 2024 – Miroshnichenko has an up and down season, between the AHL and NHL thanks to injuries on the main roster. He looked quite green in the NHL but grew his game well in the AHL. Miroshnichenko finished the regular season with 25 points in 47 AHL games, and six points in 21 NHL games. He played on the Bears’ Calder Cup winning roster (the team’s back-to-back championship), and in 20 playoff games scored 12 points. He was a threat to score most nights and that run really grew his game. He is unlikely to make the roster in 2024-25 but should still get some cups of coffee. Pat Quinn

February 2024 – It has been a good learning curve for Miroshnichenko in the AHL so far as he has 23 points in 43 games on a loaded Hershey squad. He has not scored a goal since December 16, and perhaps that is weighing on his confidence as once he was sent back down he has only registered eight assists. Miroshnichenko also has just 77 shots on the season, a 1.79 shot per game ratio, with over half his shots coming before he was recalled. The Bears spread out a lot of offense, so he will likely not have high totals but the winning experience will help immensely with hid development. Pat Quinn

December 2023 – Miroshnichenko was called up to the Washington Capitals in somewhat of a surprising move. It is surprising because the Capitals usually do not call up prospects so quickly once they reach the AHL. In 27 games with the Bears, he had eight goals and seven assists. Miroshnichenko was only in the NHL for four games spanning the Christmas break, likely for a little financial bonus. In those games he did not register a point and averaged 10:22 of ice time, but he did register his first penalty while also taking six shots. He was then sent back down to the Bears at the end of the month. Pat Quinn

October 2023 – Miroshnichenko played well in training camp and exhibition play but was ultimately sent down to the AHL where Hershey will have a strong team for 2023-24. Pat Quinn

July 2023 – Wrapping up his current stay in the KHL, all with Omsk teams, Miroshnichenko played in all levels of that league after starting the season late due to his cancer treatment. He played like he did not miss a step in the MHL and VHL, with 14 points in 12 games and three assists in four games respectfully, as he had grown beyond those leagues even with missing so much time. In 23 KHL games he scored just four points, but that was more attributed to him getting minimal ice time. There were occasions where he was on the 1PP and that is what his skill really stood out on the team, but the chances were few. Miroshnichenko then signed his three-year ELC and will be playing for Hershey in 2023-24. He has already impressed at training camp and after a year in Hershey he could be up with the main roster in a scoring role. Pat Quinn

January 2023 – Miroshnichenko has already been elevated to the KHL after running through the MHL and VHL. When he came back in November he did not take any time to get acclimated to the MHL as he posted 11 points in eight games, including eight goals. He was promoted to the VHL for four games, where he was credited with three assists, and has since been playing in the KHL for Avangard Omsk. In 13 games he has just two points but the low numbers are attributed to the low ice time rookies get in the KHL. If he gets more ice time in the KHL you can almost expect an uptick in scoring as he is that good. Pat Quinn

November 2022 – Miroshnichenko has been cleared to play on November 8 after being treated for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We all wish him the healthiest of careers. Pat Quinn

September 2022 – Miroshnichenko will begin 2022-23 with Omskie Krylia of the VHL, and unless I am mistaken that is the affiliate of Avangard Omsk with the KHL. He should see top six ice time, unless he is called up to the KHL then expect around 10 seconds to four minutes. His KHL contract runs until 2023-24 and he may decide to stay overseas a couple seasons longer, but if it came down to it the Capitals could bring him over to North America for the 2024-25 season. Pat Quinn

July 2022 – Miroshnichenko has been selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2022 NHL draft, 20th overall. Nick Richard

June 2022 – Miroshnichenko has reportedly been cleared to resume training after completing treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma and is focused on preparing for the 2022-23 season. It is outstanding news that goes far beyond any hockey-related implications but it is great to see a promising young talent be able to return to the ice and pursue his NHL dreams after being diagnosed with such a serious condition just a few short months ago. Nick Richard

March 2022 – The Russian Hockey Federation announced that Miroshnichenko has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and he will be stepping away from hockey to focus on his treatment for the foreseeable future. He is currently receiving medical care in Germany and the hope is that he will be able to make a full recovery. For now, hockey is secondary and we are all wishing Miroshnichenko the best in the battle that lies ahead. Nick Richard

December 2021 – Miroshnichenko’s stock has taken a hit through the early part of the season. After impressive performances at the U18 World Championships last spring and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup over the summer, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in the VHL so far this season. His production has been underwhelming but it is worth noting that he is still generating chances, averaging five shot attempts per game on the season. A strong second half to his season would help him climb back into the conversation as a potential top-five selection in the 2022 draft. Nick Richard

September 2021 – Miroshnichenko played the majority of his draft-1 year for Omskie Yastreby of the MHL where he finished with five goals and 10 assists in 20 games. On top of his performance in the MHL, he played for Russia in both the U18s and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He played the U18s as an underager and finished that tournament above a point per game with eight points in seven games, helping Russia secure the silver medal. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Miroshnichenko captained the Russian squad, leading them to the gold medal nine points in five games. He will likely play most of the 2021-22 schedule in the VHL, although he may get a few opportunities in the KHL by the end of the season.

Miroshnichenko is loaded with offensive talent and poses a significant threat to the opposition when he has the puck. His shot is probably his most dangerous weapon as he can unload the puck quickly and powerfully. Other than his shot, Miroshnichenko has a strong top speed which allows him to blow by defenders. His skating form could use some work as it seems jumpy and could be smoothed out to maximize his skating advantage. His hands are another area of strength, often inviting defenders in close before using his vision to find teammates with the ice opened up. The biggest knock on Miroshnichenko’s game would be his consistency and effort level, especially in the defensive end. There are times when he looks invisible on the ice or he is taking a shift off. When he is on his game, he has the talent to take over and put his team in a favorable position. There is a lot of upside in his game, given his superb offensive abilities, but the concerns about his compete level and skating form need to be improved upon before taking his game to the next level. Zack Szweras