What Is The Capitals' Plan For Miroshnichenko This Year? Next Steps As Carbery Expresses High Hopes For Prospect
The Capitals are hoping that Miroshnichenko develops into a 25-30 goal scorer at the NHL level.
Bob Frid — USA TODAY Sports - What Is The Capitals' Plan For Miroshnichenko This Year? Next Steps As Carbery Expresses High Hopes For ProspectAfter a busy offseason, the Washington Capitals are hoping that their new additions will pay off as they look to make noise as a contender. All the while, they also want their prospects already in the system to step up and make some noise, including forward Ivan Miroshnichenko.
There are high hopes for the Russian forward, who is hoping to make a full-time jump to the NHL this season after a solid first year playing in North America.
Last season, Miroshnichenko got 21 games at the NHL level, picking up six points and gaining valuable experience. It was at the AHL level where he really grew, though, as he played multiple roles and rounded out his 200-foot game. he had 25 points in 47 regular-season games with Hershey, then added seven goals and five assists through 20 playoff games to lead the Bears to their second consecutive Calder Cup.
While Miroshnichenko has his sights set on a Capitals roster spot this season, it won't be an easy feat. The 20-year-old faces heavy competition as D.C. balances an influx of centers and welcomes the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Brandon Duhaime and Taylor Raddysh on the forward lines. Jakub Vrana is also going to present some competition as he looks to earn a contract off of his tryout for training camp.
So, what exactly does this season have in store for Miroshnichenko?
For head coach Spencer Carbery, the name of the game is proper development.
In an interview with NHL.com's Tom Gulitti, Carbery said that he wants Miroshnichenko to develop into a top producer at the highest level and play a bigger role rather than taking on limited minutes in D.C.
"We would like to see Miro become a quality, well-rounded player, but also someone that can produce in the NHL and can be a potential 25-30 goal scorer," Carbery told Gulitti. "So you want to make sure we're taking the necessary steps to enable that inside of him and not putting him in a scenario where he's playing 10 minutes and playing on the fourth line."
That being said, it appears the best step for Miroshnichenko is to start the season in Hershey. There, he is guaranteed to get more ice time and responsibility rather than sitting up at the NHL level as a healthy scratch.
Playing in games offers more experience than practice, and he can continue to carry over momentum from a strong rookie season while adapting to life in North America.
Not only that, but injuries happen over the course of the season, so Miroshnichenko will at least get a look at the highest level in the form of a call-up.
Ultimately though, if all goes well and he impresses enough, don't rule out a promotion to the NHL later in the year.
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