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Miroshnichenko Putting Up Insane Numbers In Return From Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

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1 year ago

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Capitals draft pick Ivan Miroshnichenko

Right now, it’s looking like the Washington Capitals may have gotten the steal of the 2022 NHL Draft, as Ivan Miroshnichenko continues to impress in his return to game action.

Miroshnichenko is playing with the MHL’s Omskie Yasterby to start his season and is under contract with the KHL’s Avangard Omsk through 2024. He received clearance to return to the MHL on Nov. 6, as he’s been in remission after receiving chemotherapy and treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The 18-year-old has played in five games so far and already has four goals and two assists. He’s scored in four straight games.

The 18-year-old had been pegged as a top-5 talent going into the 2022 NHL Draft. He is known for his elite skating ability and wicked shot that makes him dangerous everywhere on the ice. The 6-1, 194-pound left wing is also a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t shy away from laying the body, and he’s also a reliable leader and constantly a captain on his respective clubs. In a lot of ways, he resembles Alex Ovechkin.

However, his cancer diagnosis in March led to a drop in draft stock as he underwent treatment and missed significant playing time while also losing weight and muscle.

“I remember seeing him in the U18 World Championships in Germany; he was there to do another round of chemo,” assistant general manager Ross Mahoney said. “He had no hair, his blue jeans looked like they were just sort of hanging on his hips. Didn’t look good at all, and I talked to him there… he’s a really strong character. He went through an awful lot. But I think it speaks volumes of his character and the type of person he is.”

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After speaking with the medical staff, the Capitals still elected to take Miroshnichenko in July. He entered remission in June and started skating again over the summer.

Right now, he’s looking like he could very well be one of the best selections from this draft. And for Washington, it’s huge for the future of the organization.

“Great pick,” Ovechkin said. “He’s one of the young players who can be a superstar.”

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