The Capitals could start to incorporate more youth into the mix down the stretch.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — After Cole Hutson's magical NHL debut, the Washington Capitals could incorporate more youth into the mix as they finish out their regular season, and that includes Ivan Mirohsnichenko and potentially Ilya Protas.
Per coach Spencer Carbery, the team wants to get Miroshnichenko into the lineup sooner rather than later, as he's been a healthy scratch since being called up from the AHL's Hershey Bears at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. He had 31 points in 38 games with Hershey this season prior to his recall.
"It's been a little bit disappointing that we haven't been able to get him in yet just (with) the health of our forward group," Carbery explained. "I would've liked to have seen him in in the amount of time that he's been up. I don't like the guys sitting this long, especially a young player. So that's on the horizon and on my mind."
While Carbery doesn't know exactly when Miroshnichenko will get into the lineup, it's a move that'll come sooner rather than later.
"He's up here for a reason, and he'll get an opportunity at some point," Carbery said.
When it comes to another Hershey scorer, Ilya Protas has also continued to put himself on Washington's radar and could earn an NHL look at some point down the stretch, though Carbery couldn't guarantee anything.
As an AHL rookie, Protas has put up 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 59 games, leading the Bears and tied for first with Quinn Hutson, older brother of Capitals defenseman Cole, in scoring among first-year AHLers.
"It's been impressive at his age. To do what he's done this year in the American Hockey League is not an easy feat. That is a hard, hard league. I don't care where you were drafted, and I don't care what your pedigree is. The American Hockey League is a difficult league to go into and not only survive, but to be a productive player and play as well as Little Pro has," Carbery said. "It's been impressive to watch."
Washington returns to action on Friday, playing host to Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils.