Athletistic/Hockey. In the 2022 NHL Draft, the Washington Capitals selected Russian forward Ivan Miroshnichenko with the 20th overall pick.

Many journalists expressed the opinion that Miroshnichenko could be the most talented player in this draft.

Previously, the 18-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma – a malignant disease of lymphoid tissue. The young hockey player underwent treatment in Germany, after which he was allowed to train and play next season.

Last season, Ivan spent in the Omsk Wings team, playing in the VHL. Miroshnichenko scored 16 (10+6) points in 31 matches.

In the first round, two more Russian players were selected – defender Pavel Mintyukov (“Anaheim”, 10th number) and Danila Yurov (“Minnesota”, 24th number).

Miroshnichenko was very happy when he gave his first interview as a Capitals player. The 18-year-old winger only speaks Russian and needed a translator at the Bell Centre. However, he knew one word in English.

When asked how he felt about being selected by the Capitals, Ivan said, “Awesome!”

Here is how Miroshnichenko’s game was rated by American journalist Megan Chaika: “He is one of the most versatile players. Of course, in a way, Ivan is a dark horse, despite the fact that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and missed a “We have too much information on him, but we know he’s good at getting into the net, pushing the puck into the danger zones. Miroshnichenko has good goalscoring instincts, is excellent in tackles. And in general, he plays aggressively, forcing opponents to make mistakes. You don’t need too many scoring chances to score. He uses them well. You want to have such a player in your team. I will even say this: I think that in 5 years he will be a superstar.”

Miroshnichenko is a silver medalist at the 2021 U18 World Championship with the Russian national team. As part of this tournament, he scored 6 goals and scored 8 points in seven games.

In 2020, Ivan also won a gold medal with the Russian team at the Youth Olympics in Switzerland. Miroshnichenko was the team captain there.

Miroshnichenko has become the first Russian player from his home country to be selected in the 2022 draft.

On February 26, 2021, Miroshnichenko signed a three-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, so he will not be able to leave Russia until the start of the 2024/25 championship. At that time, he will be 20 years old.

Here is what American hockey fans wrote about Miroshnichenko:

@hndrixlapierre:

– Lord, how I love it! My face is starting to hurt from smiling. I think it’s the best choice in this draft.

@stupidcapsfan:

I’m so glad we picked him up! Really great choice. He would soon be in the United States.

@RestYourBreasts:

– He’s our guy! He seems to be recovering from a serious illness…

@OVECHKlN:

– I feel the energy of Evgeny Kuznetsov. A real talent.

@IIHFHockey:

– Ivan Miroshnichenko has already faced big problems in his life, but now he is ready for new challenges that await him with Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals team!

@ISAwkwardPerson:

– He is incredible! It’s a great choice. Brilliant technician.

@rnew1125:

“Nevertheless, you will have to try to get him out of Russia, like in the good old days…

@RestYourBreasts:

It’s perfect, I love it! Our new favorite! Here will be a duet with Ovechkin.

@TTV_Prooofer:

This guy is really a fighter. 100% fantastic person and player! It’s good that he was chosen.

@debs1211:

– Welcome home, Ivan! We are waiting for you on the ice.

@DoersDo4Ever:

– Get out of Russia! Washington is waiting for you. Conquer new heights!

@BFudgee:

– Very happy for him! Ivan is there, despite the health problems and everything that is happening in his native country. It will be useful for him to play with Ovechkin. Gain experience and become a super professional.

@matthewashea_:

– Fantastic choice! Looks like he’s happy to be here. Ovechkin would be a great mentor for him. We must arrive in the United States as soon as possible.

@RelCyan:

– This guy + Ovi? It would be fair to give all the other teams a head start. Watch out, rivals!

@Hebron4824:

– Good choice! I look forward to it in the United States.

@RestYourBreasts:

– I’m ready to take a bullet in the heart for him! A real treasure.

@Sbrousseau6:

– In terms of style of play, he resembles Ovechkin.

Andrei Lipatov, Sport.Ru