Capitals Prospect Miroshnichenko Makes KHL Debut, Has Sights Set On NHL

Ivan MIroshnichenko has been one of the top stories to watch this season after he was taken 20th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 NHL Draft, and he took another big step forward on Sunday with his KHL debut.

Miroshnichenko skated 4:28 minutes for Avangard Omsk in his first pro game and impressed with two big hits and impressive all-around play. He also earned player of the game honors.

“The debut is super. I think I had good shifts… I liked it so much,” Miroshnichenko told reporters via sports.ru. “I didn’t get very nervous. I was very prepared for this match… It was a long-awaited event, and my family was [watching]. Everyone congratulated [me]. Not only loved ones but fans, too.

He earned high praise from his coach as well.

“I already wanted Miroshnichekno from the first game when I watched him play with the [Omsk junior team], but there was a medical situation,” Hawks bench boss Mikhail Kravets said postgame, via sports.ru. “I think he played the time he had today perfectly. And in the future, he will have the opportunity to play more. Because today he showed that he also wins in battles… the same thing was visible from the training. I’m very glad that Ivan is on our team.”

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After entering remission following a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Miroshnichenko worked to put muscle back on and get back on the ice. He was medically cleared to return to game action in early November and started the season with Avangard’s major-junior team, Omskie Yasterby. In eight MHL games, the Russian has eight goals and three assists for 11 points, as well as one fight. He also dished three assists in two VHL games.

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Miroshnichenko, who was pegged as a top-10 talent going into last year’s draft but saw his stock fall after his cancer diagnosis, said that he enjoyed his KHL debut but didn’t feel too big of a difference between the leagues in Russia.

“All the guys are good,” he told sports.ru.

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Miroshnichenko also said that he’s doing well and isn’t feeling overwhelmed following his recovery, draft selection or high expectations from coaches, fans and the Capitals organization.

“Am I under pressure from the attention? No. The main thing is to fulfill my expectations and achieve my goals,” Miroshnichenko added. “First of all, to become a part of the squad. The main goal is to get to the NHL and play there for the rest of my career, like Alex Ovechkin and other stars.

And, regarding his physical play, he said he was just doing his job.

“Does it matter to me who I hit? Of course not,” he said postgame. “On the ice, you don’t really look at who’s going against you. You just have to [hit] so you don’t get killed out there.”

Miroshnichenko is under contract with Avangard until 2024. After that, the hope is for him to come overseas and be a key part of the Capitals’ future.