The Washington Capitals are shopping Ivan Miroshnichenko, but the price tag attached to him is already turning heads for all the wrong reasons.
Miroshnichenko, a right-handed left-winger and the former 20th overall pick, is 22 years old and still has just 55 NHL games on his résumé. In that stretch, he has posted six goals and eight assists for 14 points. He has also appeared in only three games this season, and Washington appears ready to move on.
Toronto has been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the forward, and on paper he fits the kind of low-cost, high-upside swing a team might explore. But according to a report from David Pagnotta, the asking price is a major obstacle.
What do the Capitals want for Miroshnichenko
Even with his limited NHL track record, the Capitals would prefer a first-round pick in return. If they settle for less, they would want additional pieces included.
They are inching closer; there are still multiple teams...that are still going after [him]; the price tag...1st round plus...value-wise, may not necessarily be a 1st round pick
That’s a steep ask for a player who hasn’t had much of a chance to establish himself at the NHL level. From Toronto’s side, it’s the kind of cost that would be hard to justify.
If you’re a Maple Leafs fan, this is not the move you want your team chasing right now. The bigger need, at least from that angle, is a defenseman.
So the Leafs’ next step will be worth watching, especially as they keep sliding in the Atlantic Division. But as for Miroshnichenko, the fit just doesn’t look right.
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