The 19-year-old intends to continue his pro career overseas and can join the Capitals at any time.

Washington Capitals prospect Ivan Miroshnichenko is North America bound and ready to begin his pro career after he and Avangard agreed to terminate his contract.

His deal was supposed to end next season. When Miroshnichenko first signed with the team, both he and Avangard agreed that if he wanted to go overseas, the club would release him from his deal in the final year.

"The forward wants to achieve his dream this year; we won't stay in his way, even though I believe this decision is premature," general manager Anton Kuryanov said in the press release, adding, "He managed to perform. real sports feat... he has made his decision and we have kept our word. We wish Ivan good luck and good health."

Hours after terminating his deal, the 19-year-old inked his three-year, entry-level contract with Washington. He is cleared to join the Capitals organization for the upcoming season and will either be up with the big club or developing with the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Washington took Miroshnichenko 20th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He was pegged a top-10 talent, but dropped in stock Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has been in remission since June and returned to Avangard this season, impressing enough to earn a spot with the KHL club.

Through 12 MHL games this season, Miroshnichenko had 10 goals and four assists and earned a promotion to the KHL, where he had three goals and an assist in 23 games. He continued to impress with his wicked shot and offensive acumen while proving his worth after winning his battle with cancer.

The Russian will likely get his first taste of NHL action at development camp this summer before training camp kicks off in September.

It's great news for Washington, who is evaluating the state of the roster and wants to get younger and faster after failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in nine years.