Last season, the Vegas Golden Knights made a major trade, acquiring Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames. The goal? Getting another puck-moving defenseman who also had size. The Flames received a 2025 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2025 third-round draft pick from the Golden Knights. They also picked up a defenseman named Daniil Miromanov from Vegas.
He's the forgotten piece in the deal, being relegated to a depth player in the Golden Knights lineup. Overall, he's scored five goals and 10 assists (two goals and five assists came with the Golden Knights). He's part of a red-hot team with 11 points to start the 2024-25 season.
He's scored one assist in seven games this season, playing in one of the top three defensive pairings. Not much has been made about Miromanov and with good reason. He hasn't played much in the NHL, with the most games played coming in 2023-24 (24). Still, his fortunes are turning as he's become a lineup regular for the Flames.
Still, there's more to the Russian defenseman than what's on the surface. He's remembered in Golden Knights history as a quintessential part of a major trade. That deal solidified the team's defensive group, bringing in terrific puck-moving blue-liners. Let's take a trip down memory lane and reflect on what Daniil Miromanov brought to his former team and how Vegas can tackle him.
What Daniil Miromanov brought to the Vegas Golden Knights (and brings to the Calgary Flames
Miromanov had an innate versatility to his game. He previously played forward before converting to defense. There's a reason behind that, for the blue-liner stands at 6'4". It's the type of size teams seek for their defensive pairings, making him a regular player with the Calgary Flames. He's a good offensive player who sets up the attack well.
Of course, he could've used more bulk in his game. He weighs 198 lbs., making him a lanky defenseman. Adding more strength would've made him more viable for the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, he's a fast defender who can go both ends of the ice, giving the Flames more burst at the position.
He needed work on his defensive game, too. While Miromanov does have incredible speed and skating ability, his play away from the puck could've been better. That could've gotten him more playing time with the Golden Knights, making him a regular player. Regardless, he's getting regular minutes with the Flames, where he's putting his speed to good use.
How the Golden Knights should play against Miromanov
Catching and hitting Daniil Miromanov is one way to exploit his defense. He doesn't have the physicality to handle regular defensive duties, which means hitting him a lot. Players like Keegan Kolesar are prime for this role, given they bring a checking element to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Taking his speed away is also important. The Calgary Flames defender can move up and down the ice effortlessly, making him a problematic matchup offensively. Being physical also helps here, for it'll wear him down as the game goes on. But also outmaneuvering him with solid passing works, given his defensive skills need work.
No matter what happens against the Flames on Monday, the Golden Knights can expect their former player to impact the game. They've seen what he's capable of and what he can't do. It's always good to see former players return to the place that made them big. But let's hope the Russian blue-liner doesn't score a game-winner against his former team.