The Washington Capitals recalled 22-year-old Russian forward Ivan Miroshnichenko from the AHL’s Hershey Bears last week, marking his third stint with the NHL club this season. The 2022 first-round pick has been one of Hershey’s top performers, tallying 31 points (12 goals, 19 assists) in 38 games. While he began his latest call-up as a healthy scratch, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery emphasized that the team wants to see Miroshnichenko play more consistently down the stretch.
“Do we want to get him into games consistently and get an opportunity to watch him play? Absolutely,” Carbery said Monday, noting that the final decision will also depend on team performance and roster needs.
Miroshnichenko Poised to Earn Bigger Role as Capitals Finish Regular Season Strong
Miroshnichenko has appeared in just four NHL games this season, significantly fewer than his 18 appearances last year and 21 in the 2023-24 campaign. Across 43 career NHL games, he has accumulated 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists). On Halloween, he signed a two-year contract extension with Washington, keeping him eligible to shuttle between Hershey and D.C. for the rest of the season thanks to the team’s cap flexibility and the post-deadline removal of the 23-man roster limit.
Capitals Recall Ivan Miroshnichenko as Promising Forward Eyes Expanded RoleDespite his NHL recall, Miroshnichenko remains eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Bears if they qualify, having previously helped Hershey capture the 2024 Calder Cup. He has recorded 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists) in 28 AHL playoff games in his career.
Miroshnichenko will not play in Monday’s matchup against the Calgary Flames, as Carbery confirmed the same lineup from Saturday’s Boston game would dress again. His next opportunity to see action could come on Wednesday in Philadelphia against the Flyers and fellow young talent Matvei Michkov. With his skill set and proven AHL production, Miroshnichenko is poised to take on a larger role as the Capitals push toward the final stretch of the season.
