The Washington Capitals signed forward Ivan Miroshnichenko to a two-year extension on Friday. His one-way contract is worth $1.85 million for a cap hit of $925,000, according to PuckPedia.
Miroshnichenko, 21, has been sidelined since Oct. 12 due to an upper-body injury. He started out the season with the AHL’s Hershey Bears after not making the final cut with the Capitals.
Despite only appearing in two games with the Bears this season, his extension prevents him from becoming a restricted free agent this offseason. Though it’s unclear when he’ll return to the ice. Thankfully, his loss of waiver-exempt status in 2026-27 could earn him a spot on Washington’s opening night roster next season.
Miroshnichenko was selected 20th overall by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He has played 39 NHL games and recorded 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
However, the Russian forward has spent most of his tenure in the organization with the Bears. His 2023-24 season was quite impressive as he recorded 25 points (9 goals, 16 assists), and led Hershey to its second consecutive Calder Cup.
Miroshnichenko followed that up with an even better 2024-25 season with 42 points (23 goals, 19 assists) for the Bears.
Internationally, the forward scored six goals and eight points playing for Russia in the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships. He ended up winning a silver medal.
Miroshnichenko was also Russia’s captain at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and won Gold.
