Capitals sign 2022 first-round pick to entry-level contract

The Washington Capitals have gotten one of their best prospects under contract, announcing the signing of forward Ivan Miroshnichenko to a three-year entry-level contract. Miroshnichenko will earn $855K in the NHL and $82,500 in the AHL per season over the course of his deal, which makes him a restricted free agent in 2026.

For Miroshnichenko, this is certainly a mountaintop moment. The young forward was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma before draft day last year, but was cleared to return to training before the draft and played a full, healthy season of hockey in 2022-23.

He had a tough postseason run in Russian juniors, but did notch 14 points in 12 games with the MHL’s Omskie Yastreby during the regular season. He also spent 23 games with Avanagard Omsk in the KHL, earning four points in 23 games.

He’s destined for a prominent role on the AHL’s Hershey Bears next season, continuing his development as one of the brightest spots in a weak pool of Capitals prospects. Miroshnichenko was drafted 20th overall in 2022.

A power winger with good instincts, Miroshnichenko stands 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds and should ideally put up 30-40 points if he plays the entire 2023-24 season in the AHL without any health issues. 

It may not be time to call him up to the NHL roster just yet, but it’s a huge step in Miroshnichenko’s development to get this far.